For a city like Liverpool, the idea of direct rule by the Conservative government is beyond unpalatable.
But that is the reality for this proud, passionate and deeply political city as it faces up to an expanded Whitehall intervention that will see a team of unelected commissioners handed powers over the day-to-day running of city life.
This week's announcement of what is an effective full takeover of the city council was not unexpected, but it is of course deeply unwelcome. Returning Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove confirmed that a new Finance Commissioner - Stephen Hughes - will joint the team of four that already sit in the Cunard Building and confirmed the group will now have over-arching powers for the council's budget, governance and recruitment.
