Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Mayoral Devolution Deal: East Midlands

Monday 17 October 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister discussed recent devolution agreement for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire.
  • Andrew Bridgen noted the west Midlands' economic outperformance over the east Midlands since gaining a mayor.
  • Minister expressed regret over local stakeholders not supporting the devolution project.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Bridgen Con
Economy Local Government
Context

The question arises from discussions about the potential merits of a mayoral devolution deal for the east Midlands.

Question

What recent discussions have you had with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on the potential merits of a mayoral devolution deal for the east midlands?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

Our recent devolution agreement with Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire will see a directly elected leader take decisions on transport, skills and housing in the region, as well as a new 30-year investment fund totalling more than £1 billion. On the levelling-up White Paper, we also named Leicestershire as one of the places invited to negotiate a county deal. We remain committed to continuing discussions with Leicestershire and the remaining White Paper areas, because we want to see them benefit from the brilliant opportunities that devolution provides.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific merits of a mayoral devolution deal for the east Midlands were not discussed in detail.

How: Under Review, Commitment Without Specifics

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Q2 Andrew Bridgen Con
Economy Local Government
Context

The MP notes that the west Midlands has economically outperformed the east Midlands since having a Mayor, due to Labour's veto in Leicester preventing a broader devolution deal. He asks for reconsideration of this situation.

Question

I thank the Minister for that answer, but it has been apparent that since the west midlands has had a mayor, it has economically outperformed the east midlands. Due to the Labour Mayor of Leicester's veto, Leicestershire and Rutland cannot join Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire in an east Midlands devolution deal. Will the Minister look again at how we can overcome Sir Peter Soulsby's unreasonable objections and unleash the true economic potential of the whole east midlands?

Answer from Dehenna Davison

I thank my hon. Friend for his question and for his passion for delivering devolution in his local area. It is a shame when some local stakeholders do not back this project to deliver all its incredible opportunities. I will certainly work with my hon. Friend and local stakeholders to see what we can do to make that happen.

Not addressed: The specific objections by the Labour Mayor were not addressed.

How: Working With Partners

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