Yorkshire’s Mayors Celebrate “New Dawn” for Devolution Talks
Yorkshire’s top city leaders hailed a “new dawn” in regional power after hosting Chancellor Rachel Reeves for talks on boosting economic growth in West Yorkshire on July 11.
Chancellor Meets Yorkshire Mayors to Push Devolution
The meeting saw West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, and York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith join forces with Rachel Reeves. The Chancellor convened the talks to explore how devolving more powers could turbocharge Yorkshire’s economy—and the UK’s.
With fresh “freedoms and flexibilities” promised in next week’s King’s Speech, the Mayors are eager to take charge of skills training, transport, housebuilding, and business support to create jobs and kickstart growth.
Big Plans to Transform the Region’s Economy
The local leaders aim to help residents get on the housing ladder, access skills for better jobs, and rely on swift public transport. They expect these moves to fuel regional economies and put more money back in people’s pockets.
Plans will be drawn up in Local Growth Plans that highlight each area’s unique strengths. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised to hand more power to local leaders with “skin in the game” who know what their communities need.
Strong Words from the Top
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “Economic growth is a national mission and my top priority. To achieve it we must fix the foundations of the economy and reset our relationship with local leaders. That starts with grown-up conversations like we’ve had today.
“Through partnership with the Mayors in Yorkshire, we are entrusting them to deliver change for their communities, secure investment and power growth so people here feel better off.”
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin added: “It was fabulous to host the Chancellor in her first week. This new dawn in government and regional relations will spark growth and put more cash in people’s pockets.
“We’re already pushing forward with our local growth plan. Today’s talks helped ensure West Yorkshire plays a key role in growing the UK economy.
“With greater powers over funding and a stronger government link, we’ll deliver the change the country desperately needs.
“Next week, we’ll reveal plans for a West Yorkshire mass transit network starting with trams in Leeds and bradford/" title="Bradford" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Bradford. This project will boost growth and secure a brighter future for all.”
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “I’m thrilled the Chancellor has returned to Yorkshire so soon to kick-start talks on growing our economy and creating opportunities across South Yorkshire.
“The tone from Rachel, Keir, and Angela shows genuine commitment to handing power back to northern communities.
“South Yorkshire is home to the UK’s largest cleantech cluster and a world-leading advanced manufacturing innovation district. Working with government, we’ll unlock our unique strengths and ensure everyone can stay local and go far.”
York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith stated: “The government’s engagement with Mayors this week is creating real momentum.
“Closer collaboration means Growth Plans can meet the unique needs of our regions. York and North Yorkshire, with our rural assets, have plenty to contribute.
“We urgently need more affordable homes and to grow our green economy with better jobs. Deeper devolution excites us and will help unlock our full potential.”
