Mayoral election postponed

Taking the shambolic performance into account, of the councils involved, perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised.

Subject to the consent of all three councils, which is inevitable, Cheshire and Warrington are to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority early in 2026 and move the Mayoral election from May 2026 to May 2027.

As part of the plans to link Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington into a super-council we’re going to have yet another mayor. That’s a mayor for each town, a mayor for each authority and a further mayor for the combined authority.

And of course, each mayor needs an office and staff – and a budget – and mayoral allowances, etc., etc – and guess who pays?

Of course the incumbents are all running scared of losing their seats owing to their incompetence* and the increasing popularity of Reform UK, so the mayoral elections due in 2026 are to be postponed until 2027.

Earlier this year, Cheshire and Warrington asked local people about the potential benefits of devolution – of course there was no option to signify opposition – just reasons why it was acceptable.

The government’s consultation attracted 1,663 responses from individuals and organisations across Cheshire and Warrington – not very representative as the total population of the authorities stands at over one million.

Respondents in favour of the proposal (note there was no option to decline 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. It’s evident that a few people out there believe what they’ve been told.

But, given the combined councils enjoy a workforce of 13,500, it would appear that the majority of their own employees aren’t convinced.

Some respondents raised concerns about whether an agreement could deliver benefits to market towns and rural areas as well as larger towns and cities. This feedback also included concerns around additional bureaucracy and costs. The words ‘nail’ and ‘head’ spring to mind.

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 reasoning 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.

*Cheshire East is in debt to the tune of around £100 million, Cheshire West £156 million and Warrington £1.8 billion – yup, you read that right – a staggering £1.8 billion!

And we’re joining up with them. God help us.