Echo Comment: Can the new Reform broom sweep clean in Durham?

In fact, this is what usually happens when there is a political takeover, as the new incumbent tries to find every penny to spend on their pet projects – projects which, so soon after the election, have the backing of the electorate.

Reform are modelling this process on Elon Musk’s “Doge” – Department of Government Efficiency – in the US, which makes it sound more demanding than the usual post-election review, and it will be fascinating to see what really emerges from it.

In Kent, where the process has begun, money has apparently been found being spent on asylum seekers’ television licences, although there are counter-claims that these are just licences for children’s homes which the county council will reclaim from central government (which is still taxpayers’ money). From a distance, the process seems to have generated more headlines than it has genuine extra cash for taxpayers or to fill more potholes.

In Durham, the name changes – the “neighbourhoods and climate change” portfolio has changed to “neighbourhoods and environment”, and “equality and inclusion” has become “stronger communities and belonging” – reflect a slightly different emphasis, perhaps, and are certainly more understandable.

But, to use another common aphorism, the proof of the pudding is in the eating: what change on the ground is this going to bring about?