Cumbria prepares for first mayoral election in 2027

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 06:09 · Archive

Cumbria will elect its first mayor in 2027, with candidates already setting out priorities on investment and devolution.

Cumbria will elect its first mayor in 2027, a position that will make the officeholder one of the most powerful political figures the area has ever had. National party conference season has provided early glimpses of the arguments likely to dominate the mayoral campaign, with debates at gatherings in Liverpool, Brighton and Birmingham focusing on issues directly relevant to the county: devolution, transport, economic growth, housing, energy and policing.

Mayoral hopefuls have already begun setting out their positions. Liberal Democrat candidate Libby Bateman has identified council funding, affordable housing and opposition to proposed police mergers as key concerns for Cumbria. Conservative candidate Mike Starkie has argued that Cumbria's devolution settlement arrived too late, claiming the county missed out on substantial investment as a result.

These early interventions suggest the mayoral election will be fought largely on who can secure the most investment and influence for the county. Devolution—the transfer of powers from central government to local leaders—has emerged as a central theme in the Government's plans for regional growth, and will be particularly significant for Cumbria's new mayor role.

The conference season has provided voters with a preview of the competing visions the candidates will offer as the campaign develops over the coming months.

How it is being reported

• Party conference season previews the key battles for Cumbria’s first mayoral electionAs party conference season draws to a close, one thing has become clear: many of the political debates taking place in Liverpool, Brighton and Birmingham will have a direct impact on Cumbria over the coming years.Westmorland Gazette · 9 Oct, 05:00
• Party conference season previews the key battles for Cumbria’s first mayoral electionAs party conference season draws to a close, one thing has become clear: many of the political debates taking place in Liverpool, Brighton and Birmingham will have a direct impact on Cumbria over the coming years.NW Evening Mail · 9 Oct, 05:00
• Party conference season previews the key battles for Cumbria’s first mayoral electionAs party conference season draws to a close, one thing has become clear: many of the political debates taking place in Liverpool, Brighton and Birmingham will have a direct impact on Cumbria over the coming years.Whitehaven News · 9 Oct, 05:00
• Party conference season previews the key battles for Cumbria’s first mayoral electionAs party conference season draws to a close, one thing has become clear: many of the political debates taking place in Liverpool, Brighton and Birmingham will have a direct impact on Cumbria over the coming years.News & Star · 9 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Cumbria · Libby Bateman · Mike Starkie · Liberal Democrats · Conservative Party

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