PM backs devolution plan for Wessex region with new mayor

Summarised from BBC Dorset's report · Updated 22 Oct, 08:20 · Archive

The prime minister has said he wants to move quickly on creating a mayor for the Wessex region.

BBC Dorset reports that the prime minister has said he wants to move 'quickly' on devolution for the Wessex region after West Dorset MP Edward Morello raised concerns in parliament about the area 'being left behind' over funding by not having a directly elected mayor. Andy Burnham said he was 'always happy to create more mayors' and offered to meet councillors from Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Wiltshire and Somerset to discuss how the proposal could progress.

A combined bid for a Heart of Wessex authority and mayor, comprising the four councils, was rejected by the government in January 2025 for not being advanced or developed enough. Following the rejection, council leaders expressed their disappointment and anger at losing out financially. Morello said that without a mayor, 'we won't have the single voice lobbying for more money and more power', adding that he wanted 'as much money for Dorset - providing for transport and public services that we vitally need'. Labour MPs in the region appear divided on the issue, with Poole's Neil Duncan-Jordan saying it would create an 'artificial entity' of urban and rural areas.

Read the report

• PM backs mayor and devolution plans in Wessex regionAndy Burnham offers to meet councillors in the region so they can "move quickly" towards devolution.BBC Dorset · 22 Oct, 06:09

In this story: Andy Burnham · Edward Morello · Neil Duncan-Jordan · Wessex · Dorset · Wiltshire · Somerset

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