Mayors
A year of progress on county devolution
James Maker says that rather than stripping powers from any tier of local government, Clause 16 encourages and enables districts to play a more active and extensive role in devolution proposals.
Council chiefs argue for accountability
Senior officers have asked for greater accountability for the local government sector as part of the devolution process.
Unleash wave of mayoral devo, says Onward
A report from the centre-right Onward think-tank has urged the Government to step back from ‘micromanaging’ England’s cities and counties, and unleash a wave of mayoral devolution.
Time for bold action on devo
As Whitehall pulls power into the centre, it erodes local bodies’ capacity and capability, says Adam Hawksbee. He believes the greatest promise for breaking the cycle and shifting power lies in the mayoral model.
Districts cry foul over devolution plans
Divisions have emerged over the Government’s devolution plans after lower-tier authorities raised fears over the removal of powers.
Some areas will 'lose out' from levelling up
The Government will be hard-pressed to deliver its manifesto pledge of levelling up every part of the UK, experts have warned.
Arithmetic matters
The new director of IPPR North, Zoë Billingham, speaks to Ann McGauran about taking on the role at a time of political and economic turmoil, and gives her verdict on how the Government’s flagship levelling up policy is shaping up.
Leaders to reconsider governance overhaul
Fears have been raised plans to ‘re-establish’ the West of England joint committee could put £600m of funding at risk.
Croydon elects Conservative mayor
Croydon LBC has voted in a Conservative mayor, bucking the trend for a shift to the left in the Capital.
Former mayor takes Tower Hamlets after elections ban
Lutfur Rahman, has won the Tower Hamlets LBC mayoralty six years after an electoral commissioner removed him from office.
Bristol votes to abolish elected mayor
Bristol voters have decided to abolish the city’s directly elected mayor following a referendum.
Break for the border!
Diary hears our Australian cousins could soon be giving some pointers on how to emulate renaissance Italy’s city states.
The Hunt is on...or is it?
Regular readers will be well aware of Diary’s penchant for county days and flags.
Chief warns leaders over governance overhaul
A chief executive has warned council leaders a proposed governance overhaul will put £600m of Government funding at risk.
Mayor's meetings with contractors breached constitution
Meetings between Middlesbrough’s Mayor and contractors over the council’s flagship regeneration project were against the council’s constitution, internal auditors have found.
No time like the present to commit to buses
The importance of buses in levelling up cannot be overstated, but political ambition supported by tough funding decisions will required to realise their potential, says Andrew Carter.
Helping the mayoral medicine go down
There is a willingness to enter into negotiations on a county deal in good faith, but there seems to be a mismatch between our ambition and what may be on offer, says chief executive of Great Yarmouth BC Sheila Oxtoby.
Sector must 'step up' the case for devolution
Liverpool’s metro mayor has urged councils offered devolution deals to ‘snap the Government’s hand off’.
Talks held on East Midlands combined authority
Proposals for an East Midlands combined authority covering Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire could be put forward to the Government as part of county deal negotiations.
From Russia without love
The road from Moscow to Kyiv passes through Belgravia in Westminster, according to a video that’s going viral this week.