IT'S very early days, and it would be naive in the extreme to think it is going to be a bed of blue and yellow roses, but Britain's new Government has made a promising start.

The coalition has the look of a substantial partnership, designed to be more than a short-term fudge, with David Cameron and Nick Clegg reminiscent of Ant and Dec launching a new series of Britain's Got Talent.

But a jungle awaits the new double act of British politics.

Durham County Council leader Simon Henig has been quick to remind us today of the particular threat to the North-East from public spending cuts - and those concerns should not be underestimated.

The deficit must be reduced but in a way which does not unfairly penalise a part of the country just because it happens to be more reliant on the public sector than another.

David Cameron insisted in response to a Northern Echo front page during the campaign that the North-East would not be unjustly squeezed if he became PM and he must be held to that promise.

Meanwhile, the solditity of the new Government will be tested in a fascinating way on May 27 when the final contest of the 2010 General Election takes place in the Thirsk and Malton constituency.

The ballot, delayed by the death of UKIP candidate John Boakes will see Tory candidate Anne McIntosh battle with Lib Dem candidate Howard Keal.

And the party leaders - partners in Government - will be thrust back into competition.

Welcome to the strange new world of British politics.