I don't see authority borders expanding - mayor

Richard Parker leads the West Midlands Combined Authority

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has said he does not see the boundaries of the combined authority he leads being extended.

The Labour government is attempting the biggest shake-up of local authorities in 50 years - and Warwickshire's six councils could be merged into one.

Warwickshire County Council wants to create a new single authority and is submitting its plan to the government.

The county council did consider joining the West Midlands Combined (WMCA) in 2023 but the idea was dropped.

The BBC asked Parker whether he could rule out Warwickshire joining the WMCA, under the government's devolution plans.

He said: "I think the Warwickshire issue was dealt with at that time and is now in another place.

"So I do not envisage the boundaries of this combined authority being extended."

The mayor said the government "would like to see those county areas develop their own approaches to devolution and that in my view is the best way forward".

'Not ruled out in future'

The WMCA is made up of 18 West Midlands councils but only seven have full voting rights.

It is granted money and power by central government to make decisions on issues such as transport, skills and housing.

Voters living in Warwickshire County Council areas would have been able to take part in elections for the West Midlands mayor, had the authority been allowed to become a full member.

Labour politicians, including Coventry City Council's leader, opposed the move, suggesting it was an attempt to tip mayoral elections in favour of the Conservatives, who control Warwickshire County Council.

The Tory leader of the county council, Izzi Seccombe, said admitting Warwickshire to the WMCA as a full member was not in the government's plans.

"It's not in the devolution white paper at this point," she told the BBC. "But that doesn't rule it out in the future."

'Working jointly is best'

The government's devolution plans would see mayors like Parker given more powers over housing, transport, education and employment and planning.

This would include the ability to call in - meaning decide the outcome of - planning applications of strategic importance.

Parker said he would work together with council leaders to resolve any issues around planning.

"Doing it together and jointly remains the best way to achieve the outcomes I want," he said.

When pressed on whether he would step in to approve big renewable projects, such as solar farms, he said it was "not appropriate for me respond to hypothetical issues about future projects".

"We'll deal with them when they come in."