WHEN it comes to the thorny question of devolution, there is general agreement that the North-East needs greater control of its own affairs in order to prosper fully. But when it comes to how that control should be attained, our region is in a pickle.

If we are not to be left out when devolved powers are handed down, we know we need a place at the Government's table. And we have a pretty clear idea that having an elected mayor is the only realistic route to the table.

But, following the demise of the regional development agencies, the North-East has found itself with two local enterprise partnerships (LEPs), representing different parts of the region, and the conundrum has therefore become more complex. Do we accept the principle of an elected mayor in order to win more powers? And, if so, is it one mayor representing the whole region or two mayors representing the two LEPs?

Durham County Council leader Simon Henig, who chairs the North East Combined Authority (Neca), which covers the northern LEP, insisted today there had been no major shift in position following suggestions that resistance to a single elected mayor had softened. Nothing is being ruled out, he declared.

Meanwhile, the shadow Tees Valley Combined Authority, covering the southern LEP, is also keeping its options open – so the North-East's position is, therefore, as clear as mud.

It is time for pragmatism and the North-East has to come together to work out the best way of persuading the Government to devolve control. The absolute priority is the attainment of devolved powers – and that means political differences and geographical boundaries have to be overcome.

We find it hard to see how a single mayor could adequately represent the interests of an area from Berwick to Darlington so the most likely – and practical – outcome appears to be two elected mayors, working closely together for the greater good of the region.