And London equally, after a decade of drift, couldn't be left without a voice of its own. His problem is that his critics don't remember what was necessary or recognise the fundamental tensions that were bound to flow. They see the surface turmoil - and make all the usual mud pies from it. What's actually happening is much more significant. Consider, for example, the very senior minister who ought to be centre stage now, whose interests are those most affected.
Nobody challenges the chancellor.
Yet it's Mr Brown, and the entire edifice of treasury operation, which stands in the way of logical reform. The issue that, a few days ago, disposed of Alun Michael as first minister for Wales was a treasury issue. So EU cash that we've in part put up in the first place, has to go begging. In just the same way, the core policy for Londoners in May will be tube privatisation. And don't, for a second, think Scotland immune from such tensions.