Leicestershire's quest for a regional mayor: A tale of missed opportunities and potential gains
The call for a regional mayor in Leicestershire and Rutland is growing louder, with business leaders, politicians, and residents united in their demand for more power and resources. The argument is simple: without a regional mayor, the area is falling behind, and its residents are missing out on crucial investments and opportunities.
A Tale of Two Regions
The East Midlands Chamber's research paints a stark picture. For every £1 of government transport funding spent in Leicestershire and Rutland, other areas receive £19. This disparity is even more striking when compared to Tees Valley, which receives nine times more skills funding from Whitehall. The data highlights the need to 'level the playing field' with regional rivals, and the Devolution Leicestershire campaign group is leading the charge.
The Power of Mayors
Mayors in other regions have become a powerful force, channelling billions of pounds into their areas through various government grants and investments. The strategic mayoral authority (SMA) model is now a key part of the UK's devolution strategy, with powers over skills, transport, and housing. Leicestershire and Rutland, however, remain without an SMA, and the campaign group argues that this is holding the area back.
A Divided History
The history of devolution in the East Midlands is a complex one. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Derbyshire joined forces to establish the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCAA) in 2022, with a directly elected mayor at its helm. Labour's Claire Ward was elected to this role in 2024, with an annual budget exceeding £500 million and extra powers over transport, housing, and adult education. However, Leicestershire and Rutland did not join, and the Labour mayor of Leicester, Sir Peter Soulsby, initially opposed the idea of a regional mayor, arguing that it would be 'daft' to have two mayors in the same area.
The Shift in Perspective
Sir Peter Soulsby's stance has evolved, and he now expects a regional mayor for Leicestershire and Rutland. The new prime minister, Andy Burnham, has also expressed a desire to devolve powers to the area 'as soon as possible'. The Labour MPs in Leicestershire have written to the city and county councils, urging them to push for a mayor, and even Reform UK leader Dan Harrison agrees, stating that 'no mayor, no money'.
The Challenge of Size
One concern with a 'Greater Leicestershire' mayor is the potential lack of clout compared to mayors in larger areas. However, Labour MP Amanda Hack points out that Leicestershire and Rutland already collaborate on many issues, and the size of the area is not the primary concern. The real challenge is ensuring that devolution brings real benefits to the people of Leicestershire and Rutland.
The Way Forward
The future of devolution in Leicestershire and Rutland remains uncertain. While talks with Northamptonshire have not yet taken place, the area's lack of an SMA and the growing calls for a regional mayor suggest that change is on the horizon. The question remains: will this be enough to bridge the funding gap and give the area the support it needs to thrive?
