MPs must have a clear key role in ‘mayorland’

This article was originally published by LabourList on the 6th of August 2026.

The Burnham devolution roadmap is ultimately the same the Starmer one: create unitary authorities to replace the inefficient mishmash of district and county councils, encourage groups of three or so of them to form combined or strategic authorities, and hope that many then choose to add a metro mayor on top.

I support the direction of travel, particularly the creation of unitary authorities capable of exercising more power, managing more resources, delivering all local council services, and as such able to be more strategic in key areas that have long been the domain of Whitehall such as housing and transport.

However, the ultimate destination – a quiltwork of metro mayors – should give MPs pause of thought, because…

The whole article can be read at LabourList where it was first published.