Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council have written to the UK Government to request a deferral to the proposed 2026 Cumbria Mayoral Election.
They have requested that, if required, the election is held in May 2027, a year later than planned.
The Government has yet to confirm that statutory tests have been met and that Devolution in Cumbria can proceed. If it can, both councils then still need to make a formal decision to agree to a Mayoral Combined Authority, which would then require an election.
In a letter requesting a deferral to Rt Hon Jim McMahon MP, Minister for English Devolution and Local Governance, the councils state:
“This request is made in the spirit of constructive partnership and with a shared ambition to ensure the strongest possible foundations for a successful new governance model that delivers for the people of Cumbria.”
Local elections for Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council are both scheduled for 2027. Holding a Mayoral Election on the same date would save significant resources, around £1 million if held as a stand-alone election, and would support a higher turnout of voters.
The deferral would also provide more time to prepare for the establishment of a new combined authority, in particular the emerging Industrial Strategy which sets out how Cumbria’s economy can grow in the future.
It was announced that Cumbria was included in the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme in February this year.
Both councils were invited to join the Priority Programme after earlier expressing interest in exploring what greater devolution of powers could mean in Cumbria. The new Government set out its intention to widen devolution across England, giving regions more powers and decision-making over matters such as economic development, transport, employment support, planning, and housing.
The Government has not yet reported back on the public consultation exercise it held earlier this year.