Sam Clayden 22 August 2016

‘Business as usual' amid end of metro mayor rumours

Whitehall has denied claims that Theresa May is planning to axe controversial plans to impose directly elected mayors on regions as a prerequisite to devolution.

According to The Times, the prime minister does not share former chancellor George Osborne’s enthusiasm for metro mayors – a policy many parts of the country viewed as a deal-breaker for their devolution ambitions.

The Times story was published days after The MJ  revealed the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) had relaxed the demand for areas to elect mayors by 2017 or face having to wait until the end of the decade.

Ms May, The Times suggested, was concerned the policy would provide a platform for Labour moderates, such as Greater Manchester hopeful Andy Burnham, in the country’s biggest cities.

The Prime Minister is also thought to be exploring an alternative to Mr Osborne’s Northern Powerhouse project, instead focusing on economic growth across the whole country, excluding the South East.

A Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman scotched The Times' claims, saying devolution would ‘continue in the usual way’ and that elected mayors ‘remain the best way to make [deals] work’.

For much more on this story visit The MJ (£).

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term Time

Essex County Council
£25821.00 - £30377.00 per annum + + Pension
Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term TimePermanent, Part Time£30,377 per annum, full time equivalent / equal to £15.74 per hour.Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Urban Design Intern

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Assistant Urban Design InternFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - Safeguarding Team

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - ASC Centralised Safeguarding TeamFixed Term, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner