Prime minister backs Wessex mayor devolution deal by 2028

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 13:08 · Archive

Prime minister Andy Burnham has publicly backed plans for an elected Wessex mayor by 2028 covering Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire.

Prime minister Andy Burnham has backed plans for an elected Wessex mayor by 2028, which would devolve power to Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. Somerset Council has been pursuing the devolution bid under the 'Wessex Partnership' with neighbouring unitary authorities including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. An initial bid was rejected by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government in February 2025.

Somerset Council leader Bill Revans said in early October that he would continue to pursue a deal to drive forward economic growth across the region. The backing came at Prime Minister's Questions on 21 October, where Mr Burnham responded to a question from Edward Morello, the Liberal Democrat MP for West Dorset.

Mr Morello argued that a Wessex mayor could unlock £460m in additional annual funding and generate as much as £16bn of additional economic output over the next 30 years. Mr Burnham said: 'I am always happy to create more mayors' and that he would like to see 'a fully devolved south-west of England'.

How it is being reported

• 'Landmark moment for Wessex' as Andy Burnham backs deal between Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire"The Prime Minister's support is recognition of the enormous potential of our region"SomersetLive · 22 Oct, 13:22
• Prime minister Andy Burnham backs new 'Wessex' devolution deal for SomersetAndy Burnham has publicly backed plans for a new Wessex mayor by 2028, which would see more power devolved to Dorset, Somerset and WiltshireBridgwater Mercury · 22 Oct, 11:51
• Prime minister Andy Burnham backs new 'Wessex' devolution deal for SomersetAndy Burnham has publicly backed plans for a new Wessex mayor by 2028, which would see more power devolved to Dorset, Somerset and WiltshireSomerset County Gazette · 22 Oct, 11:51

In this story: Andy Burnham · Somerset Council · Edward Morello · Wessex · Dorset · Somerset · Wiltshire

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