Devolution for Cheshire can progress and potential Mayoral elections deferred to May 2027

Cheshire leaders have welcomed confirmation that the area can progress to the next stage of pursuing a devolution agreement, and that potential Mayoral elections for the area will also be deferred to May 2027.

In an announcement made on Thursday 17th July, the government confirmed that Cheshire and Warrington has passed the necessary statutory tests and can continue work on securing a devolution agreement for the area.

The government also confirmed that, subject to the consent of all three councils, Cheshire and Warrington are able to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority early in 2026 and move the Mayoral election from May 2026 to May 2027.

Progressing a devolution deal

Earlier this year, Cheshire and Warrington, as one of six devolution priority areas, supported a government-led statutory consultation, which asked local people about the potential benefits of devolution.

The consultation findings helped to inform the government about whether Cheshire and Warrington met the necessary statutory tests, demonstrating the area’s readiness to deliver a devolution programme.

The government’s consultation attracted 1,663 responses from individuals and organisations across Cheshire and Warrington.

Respondents in favour of the proposal cited improvements to the local economy and recognised the potential for more decisions to be made locally by people who know the area. They anticipate better public transport and public services, and that devolution will build on established joint working across the area.

Some respondents raised concerns about whether an agreement could deliver benefits to market towns and rural areas as well as larger towns and cities. Some feedback also included concerns around additional bureaucracy and costs.

Local leaders will continue to work with government to deliver the best agreement for Cheshire and Warrington, and help people understand devolution’s benefits, processes, and governance arrangements.

Mayoral elections proposed for May 2027

The government has also confirmed that any Mayoral elections for Cheshire and Warrington would be moved to May 2027.

Earlier this week, Leaders of Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Warrington Borough Council, wrote to government asking for the change to the election date.

This would align the election of a Mayor with local elections in Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester, reducing costs and potentially increasing voter turnout.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Leader and Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Nick Mannion and Cllr Michael Gorman, and Cllr Hans Mundry, Leader of Warrington Borough Council, said:

“We’re pleased that the government has listened to our local residents, businesses and communities through the formal consultation, and has concluded that we can keep working on the best possible devolution agreement for our area.

“A devolution agreement would mean shifting additional powers and funding from government to Cheshire and Warrington – bringing more jobs, better transport and smarter investment to the area.

“Following the announcement, we can now work with certainty to unlock the huge benefits and opportunities of devolution. As we continue, it’s important we take on board and respond to the feedback received through the government consultation.

“We’re equally pleased that government has agreed to defer Mayoral elections to May 2027. This gives us greater clarity on our plan to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority in 2026. It also means that if a Mayoral election takes place in May 2027, it will save money and could also result in more people voting and having their say.”

Following the government’s confirmation that Cheshire and Warrington has met the statutory tests, the decision to progress with establishing a Mayoral Combined Authority is now subject to formal decisions by the three councils in September 2025.

Further information about devolution for Cheshire and Warrington can be viewed at: 

Cheshireandwarringtondevolution.com

Pictured - Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council.