Could Warwickshire get its own mayor? MP slams idea as 'bizarre' and 'faintly ridiculous'

The idea has reportedly been discussed as part of plans to scrap all local councils to form a unitary authority for the whole of the county
Shire Hall, the headquarters of Warwickshire County Council.Shire Hall, the headquarters of Warwickshire County Council.
Shire Hall, the headquarters of Warwickshire County Council.

Warwickshire could get its own mayor, as part of proposed major changes to the running of local councils.

As we have previously reported, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is in favour of scrapping local district and borough councils and creating a single unitary authority for the whole of the county.

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But now Warwick and Leamington MP, Matt Western, believes WCC is looking at a new Warwickshire mayor.

Mr Western has joined the district and borough councils in the county to oppose any changes to the system, which WCC says will save a lot of money.

Speaking outside Shire Hall in Warwick, Mr Western described the idea of a Warwickshire mayor as 'bizarre'.

And talking about the possible unitary authority, he added: “The public will not be impressed by these self-interested power-grabs.

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"I’m opposing this proposal and believe instead that we should explore different options with the general public.

“Setting aside the lack of consultation, the plans themselves are deeply concerning. I don’t believe centralising power into one, potentially distant council is the way forward.

"Likewise, the idea of a mayor of Warwickshire is faintly ridiculous.

“The leadership of Warwickshire County Council suggest that this move will save money. However, I believe this will actually cost more than it saves in the short term.

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“Just look across the country where similar plans have been implemented: Torbay Council became distant to many residents, and the shake-up cost them more than it saved and had to cut all non-essential spending as a result.

“I implore the county council to withdraw their rushed-through plans and instead undertake a proper and open consultation exercise - together with district / borough councils - to ensure we get the best democratic structure that works in the interests of Warwickshire residents.”

A petition against the proposal is on his website: www.mattwestern.org/campaigns

We have approached Warwickshire County Council for a comment.