Fighting mayor would be 'delaying the inevitable'

Wiltshire Council wrote to the government committing to the idea of a Mayoral Combined Authority for the Heart of Wessex region

The leader of Wiltshire Council has said fighting plans for a Mayoral Combined Authority for the Heart of Wessex region was "delaying the inevitable".

Speaking at the council's cabinet meeting on Tuesday, council leader Richard Clewer was quizzed on plans to work with Dorset and Somerset in a devolution partnership.

This comes after the council wrote to the government, affirming its commitment to the plans.

Mr Clewer said he had received "a great deal more" clarity from the government since it asked for expressions of interest, but said there was "more work to do".

But Ian Thorn, leader of the council's Liberal Democrats, criticised the devolution process and said it was "being done to" local authorities rather than being "asked for" by them.

He described the proposal as "a bizarre form of devolution".

'More work to do'

Mr Clewer questioned the practical benefits of having a regional mayor and noted the risk of rural areas being "left behind" without a strong voice.

He stressed that any mayor must represent rural settings effectively.

Wiltshire Liberal Democrat leader Ian Thorn argued it was "critical" for the council to vote on the proposals

'Bizarre' devolution

Mr Thorn also highlighted there was a lack of consultation with council members on the proposals beyond the cabinet.

Mr Clewer explained that the government's tight deadline required an expression of interest to be submitted "at speed".

Mr Thorn then argued it was "critical" for council members to vote on the proposal, even if the government ultimately ignored the result.

Mr Clewer acknowledged that Westminster's "democratic process" would likely shape the outcome more than local decisions.

Nationally, the government and Labour back expanded devolution, with key powers over transport, housing, and employment linked to directly elected leadership, such as metro mayors.

In a letter sent to local leaders in July, Deputy PM Angela Rayner said metro mayors offer "huge advantages" but clarified they would not be forced on areas, with some powers reserved for directly elected leaders such as mayors.