Dan Peters 20 July 2015

North East drops opposition to explore elected mayor

The North East Combined Authority (neca) is considering installing an elected mayor in a bid to deliver local devolution, despite previous opposition towards the idea.

Combined authority leaders had become less vocal in their resistance to having a directly elected mayor in the run up to the announcement on Friday.

Chair of neca, Cllr Simon Henig, said: ‘We want to explore with government the scope for a radical devolution deal for the North East, with substantial devolution of powers and responsibilities.

‘In parallel to this, we will consider with government the most appropriate governance structures, including an elected mayor, to oversee those new powers.

‘We will approach this process of negotiation with an open mind about where this takes us and are all firmly committed to seizing the opportunity that real devolution presents for our region.’

The combined authority said it planned to consult with businesses, trade unions and other partners before publishing detailed plans in the autumn.

Last week Labour peers knocked back plans to link directly elected mayors to devolution in one of three successful amendments to the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50
This is a high-impact leadership role focused on delivering Cherwell's Climate Action Plan Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services

Cherwell District Council
£113,435.50 - £125,379 / Grade
This is more than a leadership role - it's an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Head of Chief Executive's Office

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50 / Grade M
This is a pivotal leadership position at the heart of the Council Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Short Breaks Community Officer

North East Lincolnshire Council
£28,142 FTE
This is a varied role where no two days will be the same. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Casual Cleaning Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £24,796 Pro rata to hours worked £12.85 per hour
Are you looking for work that fits around your schedule and lifestyle? Casual Cleaning Assistants required post based at the Empire Theatre, Consett. Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner