LLR council leaders unite to ask Government for regional mayor

Council leaders across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have written a joint letter to Government asking for a regional mayor. 

The leaders of the region’s ten authorities - Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council, Blaby District Council, Charnwood Borough Council, Harborough District Council, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Melton Borough Council, North West Leicestershire District Council, Oadby and Wigston Borough Council - have each signed the letter sent to First Secretary of State Louise Haigh, and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner.

A Strategic Mayor for the region would see decision-making powers devolved from Whitehall and a likely increase in funding opportunities for projects including housing, transport and skills.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently said he would like to see Devolution in Leicestershire as soon as possible.

In the joint letter - reported by the BBC - the LLR council leaders state 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”. 

They also ask for “further clarity on the anticipated timetable for decision-making and implementation” and for more details about potential funding opportunities and devolved powers. 

There has been disagreement over the years between the city, counties, districts and boroughs about what should happen with regard Devolution in the region. 

Meanwhile, City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby told the BBC that he would not stand for the new regional mayor. 

Leicestershire County Council's Reform UK leader Dan Harrison - also speaking to BBC reporter Dan Martin - said: "If we get a mayor, and the sooner the better, there will be huge opportunities for us."

Regional Mayors have been a main focus of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s new Government. 

Since he took office a raft of new powers and responsibilities for mayors have been announced.

Local businesses and non-profit groups have been pressing for a regional Mayor for LLR for several years.

Earlier this summer Devolution Leicestershire launched with the support of local MPs, as well as VCSE and business leaders.

The campaign has two core aims: to accelerate a Devolution deal for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland, and to press for fair Government funding for LLR while the Devo deal is done.