Council leader: 'Mayor will unlock transport, skills and jobs'
Credit:
Charnwood Borough Council
The Leader of Charnwood Borough Council is backing calls for an elected mayor for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Councillor Jewel Miah has previously voiced his support for Devolution, recently saying that the fact there is no strategic mayor in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland “puts us at a great disadvantage”.
Council Miah and nine other council leaders from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland last week wrote to the Government to express their unanimous support for the creation of a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA).
In the letter, the leaders say that they believe a Mayoral Strategic Authority “offers the strongest platform for strategic leadership, economic growth, investment and public service reform across a sensible geography”.
In an update shared today, Councillor Miah said: “Businesses and universities need the right conditions to grow, including skilled workers, strong transport links and investment in infrastructure.
“A Mayoral Strategic Authority would give Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland a stronger voice with Government and help secure the funding and powers needed to support economic growth.
“Charnwood is a borough shaped by nature and driven by discovery, home to Loughborough University, Charnwood Campus and a thriving business community at the heart of the UK. We want local firms to benefit from new investment and opportunities.
“An elected Mayor could help unlock funding for transport and skills, strengthen links between employers and education providers, and support the creation of better-paid jobs.
“I am keen for Charnwood to play an active role in discussions with Government to help shape the MSA.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure greater local influence over decisions that affect our economy and future prosperity.”
Who we are
Devolution Leicestershire is an industry-education-VCSE coalition.
Founded in 2026, its purpose is:
- To accelerate a Devolution deal for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland
- To press for fair Government funding for LLR while the Devo deal is done.
Amy Orton is Account Director for 1284 Communications. She is a board member at Menphys. Amy was previously the Local Democracy Reporter for Leicestershire. Her role was funded by the BBC to report on local government in LLR for shared use by a host of media titles.
