Plymouth Greens warn residents about plans to introduce a regional Mayor
The Plymouth Green Party has raised serious concerns about the Labour
Government’s English Devolution White Paper, warning that its plans to
introduce Strategic Mayors risk ignoring local residents due to a lack of
local-led consultation.
The Government’s English Devolution White Paper (Power and Partnership:
Foundations for Growth) outlines proposals to reform local government by
creating Strategic Authorities led by directly elected regional Mayors [1].
These Mayors would hold significant powers over transport, housing,
economic development, and environmental planning, covering vast areas that
combine urban, rural, and coastal communities—while also having the power
to override local decision-making.
Mayors’ Powers: A Threat to Local Representation
Green Party councillor Lauren McLay warned that under these proposals,
local communities could be subjected to a one-size-fits-all approach dictated
by regional mayors with broad powers. “The idea of a regional mayor
overriding decisions about Plymouth while living in Exeter or Penzance is
deeply concerning. This is not genuine devolution—it’s centralisation
disguised as reform,” she said.
Fellow Green Party councillor Ian Poyser added, “Residents in Plymouth could
see decisions about housing, transport, and the environment being made by
someone who doesn’t understand the unique challenges of our city. This could
sideline local councils and diminish residents’ voices in decision-making.”
A rushed process with risks for communities
Plymouth Green Councillors stress that the rushed and poorly planned nature
of the White Paper will lead to costly disruption for local councils. Cllr McLay
said:
“Both locally and nationally, Labour have shown that they won’t listen. In
Plymouth, we have seen residents’ views ignored regarding new housing
developments, and their wishes sidelined on our election cycle—all to suit the
interests of this Labour administration. Nationally, Labour has ignored calls to
restore the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners and refuses to remove the
cruel two-child benefit cap, which has pushed more than 10,000 children into
poverty since they took power in July.”
“These devolution plans, which will radically alter local government in our city,
haven’t been given any opportunity for public scrutiny. These costly proposals
are set to steamroll over local authorities at breakneck speed—change or
have change thrust upon you—with no consideration of the cost to taxpayers
or timely consultation with those it will impact most, our communities.”
Residents deserve true devolution
The Plymouth Green Party is calling for a different approach to devolution, one
that truly empowers local communities. Cllr McLay argued that meaningful
devolution would involve properly funding local councils and allowing
decisions to be made at the most local level possible. “We already have
powers and mechanisms to make a difference. Instead of handing over power
to a single Mayor, we should be giving our councils the tools and financial
support they need to effectively serve our residents. Genuine devolution
doesn’t look like this,” she said.
“Fifteen years of austerity have seen Local Authorities within the region
competing with each other for additional funding—the crumbs on the table.
Mayoral Authorities are not the solution.” Cllr Poyser added: “If the
government wanted to invest in railway infrastructure, healthcare, or
education, it could do so today. The region doesn’t need a Strategic Mayoral
Authority to do this effectively.”
Greens will fight for Plymouth’s voice
While promising to engage with the process to secure the best possible
outcome for Plymouth, Green councillors McLay and Poyser confirmed that
they cannot fully support the current proposals.
Cllr Poyser said: “While we support a careful and well-considered approach to
local government reorganisation, which will likely involve the expansion of
Plymouth’s City Council boundaries, regional mayors do not need to play a
part in this. Plymouth is already working well with neighbouring authorities and
has a Joint Local Plan that includes South Hams and West Devon District
Councils.”
“There are too many risks, too many unanswered questions, and potentially
too much power being stripped away from our communities. In Devon, where
two-tier systems are being dissolved, we must ensure there is no democratic
deficit, and that residents receive the representation they deserve.”
The Plymouth Green Party remains committed to fighting for a fairer, more
democratic approach to devolution—one that strengthens, rather than
undermines, local representation.
Photo: Jay Stone