Regional mayor deal in 'final stages' - government

The government has announced it is in the "final stages" of establishing a regional mayor role for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

The move was announced in documents accompanying the Budget announced by Chancellor John Healey on Wednesday.

The new role would come with additional devolved powers and funding from Whitehall for strategic decisions on transport, housing and adult education.

Ministers aim to have devolution deals in place everywhere in England by the end of 2028.

The leaders of all 10 councils across the area have previously said they supported the idea of a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

They said having a devolved mayor would provide the strongest platform to attract funding and deliver economic growth in the future.

Dan Harrison, the Reform UK leader of Leicestershire County Council, told the BBC: "I'm glad. It's the right thing for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

"We've been missing out as a region by not having a mayor to get those important powers and funding and we need to catch up with other areas."

Labour Charnwood Borough Council leader Jewel Miah said: "I really welcome the announcement from Chancellor John Healey of a proposed new mayoral strategic authority for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland (LLR), which will include a new directly elected mayor for our region.

"Mayors can deliver so much for local people: Transport, regeneration and communities that work for everyone in the region."

Labour mayor of Leicester Sir Peter Soulsby said the move, which would see his current role abolished, was a step forward but said he wanted to see the paused local government reorganisation process resolved first.

"It's doable but its complicated because of the number of district councils we have.

"Getting new unitary authorities in place is an important first step in making sure we move quickly to a mayoral authority."

Christine Wise, leader of Rutland County Council, said: "If devolution succeeds in transferring more funding and autonomy to local areas, it could have a transformative effect.

"Important decisions that impact Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland should be made closer to home, in a joined-up way, by those who know and understand our area."

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