Government Launch Cumbria Devolution consultations that could see Mayor Elected on 7th May 2026

Government have today launched consultations seeks views of people in six areas on proposals to establish mayoral combined (county) authority for Cumbria .

The Devolution Priority Programme – one of the largest ever single packages of mayoral devolution in England – was launched earlier this month and will support the areas to move towards devolution at pace, becoming mayor-led strategic authorities by May next year if they proceed. 

The government is now seeking views from interested parties, such as local residents, businesses, and public sector bodies. 

Cumbria is one of six areas that agreed to joined the Devolution Priority Programme earlier this month. The other areas are Cheshire and Warrington, Norfolk and Suffolk, Greater Essex, Sussex and Brighton, and Hampshire and the Solent.

The consultations will consider questions such as the proposed geographies and how the mayoral combined (county) authorities will operate. 

Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP said: 

We are committed to shifting power out of Whitehall and into our regions, ensuring local leaders have the tools they need to tackle local priorities and realise their areas’ potential as part of our Plan for Change. 

Our Devolution Priority Programme will deliver that power at pace and I encourage local residents to be part of our ‘devolution revolution’ by contributing to these consultations.

The Devolution Priority Programme will bridge the gap between the English Devolution White Paper and the forthcoming English Devolution Bill. The government is working towards mayoral elections in May 2026 for the areas that have joined it. 

If the decision to create the The Cumbria Combined Authority is approved The Cumbria Combined Authority would have a Mayor, directly elected by local government electors across the two constituent council areas. The first mayoral election would take place on 7th May 2026.

The easiest way to respond and engage the Cumbria consultation that is open until 13 April 2025 at 23:59 is via https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/cumbria-devolution