New Tory MPs have promised to transform the region, but its greatest threat will come in days, when Britain leaves the EU.

The Chancellor and Prime Minister need a plan to counter figures showing lower growth after the hit to EU trade.

As the economic harm that it has done becomes ever clearer, all but the most die-hard Tory Brexiteers are increasingly prepared to admit that Brexit was a mistake. Trade with the Europe has slumped, productivity is down, and there are 4,000 fewer European doctors working in the NHS.