Getting mayor in Lancashire a 'priority for PM'

Securing an elected mayor for Lancashire is "a priority" for the Prime Minister and could come with a £1bn funding commitment, council leaders have been told.

Devolution minister Jim McMahon told the Lancashire Combine County Authority (LCCA) "getting Lancashire into mayoral devolution was a priority" for both him and Andy Burnham.

The leaders of Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council, which make up the LCCA, said they would consider what the minister had said.

Lancashire, which would not hold elections for a mayor until 2028, will soon be the only place in the north of England not to have one.

McMahon said he would expect Lancashire to receive a cash sum to go with the additional devolved powers conferred on a mayor, equivalent to similar-sized counties that have already done a deal, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

An approximate figure of £35m a year over 30 years – just over £1bn in total – was mooted, although McMahon emphasised he was unable to make a formal commitment on behalf of the Treasury.

Over the past decade, devolution has been discussed in Lancashire by all 15 of its councils.

Following the creation of the LCCA in 2025, proposals for a mayor were being explored for 2028.

In a joint statement, leader of Lancashire County Council Stephen Atkinson, Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Phil Riley and leader of Blackpool Council Lynn Williams said the meeting was a "positive and constructive discussion".

They said the minister "provided further information for leaders to consider", including potential financial advantages, which could come through a mayoral combined authority model.

"We will now take time to consider the information provided and discuss any potential next steps," they said.

" Any proposal would need to be approved by each of the constituent councils and the LCCA before being formally submitted to government," the trio added.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.