Wiltshire Council Leader States Opposition to Mayoral Authority is ‘Delaying the Inevitable’

The head of Wiltshire Council stated that resisting proposals for a Mayoral Combined Authority in the Heart of Wessex area constituted “delaying the inevitable”. During the council’s cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, Richard Clewer, the council leader, faced questions regarding intentions to collaborate with Dorset and Somerset within a devolution partnership framework. This development followed the council’s communication to the government, confirming its dedication to these plans. Mr. Clewer indicated that he had gained “a great deal more” clarity from the government since it requested expressions of interest, but he also noted that “more work to do” remained. Conversely, Ian Thorn, who leads the council’s Liberal Democrats, expressed criticism of the devolution process, asserting that it was “being done to” local authorities instead of being “asked for” by them. He characterized the proposition as “a bizarre form of devolution”. Mr. Clewer raised doubts about the practical advantages of a regional mayor and highlighted the potential for rural areas to be “left behind” without adequate representation. He emphasized the necessity for any mayor to effectively represent rural environments. Mr. Thorn additionally pointed out an absence of consultation with council members regarding the proposals outside of the cabinet. Mr. Clewer clarified that the government’s stringent deadline necessitated the submission of an expression of interest “at speed”. Mr. Thorn subsequently contended that it was “critical” for council members to cast a vote on the proposal, even if the government ultimately disregarded the outcome. Mr. Clewer conceded that Westminster’s “democratic process” would probably influence the result more significantly than local determinations. On a national level, both the government and Labour support increased devolution, connecting significant powers concerning transport, housing, and employment to directly elected leadership, including metro mayors. In a letter dispatched to local leaders in July, Deputy PM Angela Rayner stated that metro mayors provide “huge advantages” but specified that they would not be imposed on regions, with certain powers reserved for directly elected leaders like mayors.