Major step forward as powers move from Westminster to Cheshire and Warrington

The Parliamentary Order to formally establish the Combined Authority has been approved and signed by Minister for Devolution, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP.

It means the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority is now officially established. Residents will elect their first Mayor in May 2027 and through the transfer of key transport, economy and skills powers from Whitehall, the Combined Authority will unlock at least £650 million in funding over the next 30 years.

As the Combined Authority is set up over the next 12 months, it aims to attract investment, create better jobs, and improve public transport, transforming the area into the UK's healthiest, most sustainable, inclusive and fastest-growing economy by 2045.

Becoming a Combined Authority means Cheshire and Warrington now sits alongside neighbouring northern regions to build on the opportunities devolution presents – giving Cheshire and Warrington a seat at the table on northern, national and international platforms.

The Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority will hold its inaugural meeting inApril 2026. Its board will be made up of the leaders and deputy leaders ofCheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and WarringtonBorough Council, before a Mayor is elected in May 2027.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: ‍

“Today is a landmark moment for Cheshire and Warrington, marking the transfer of powers from Westminster to our region. It’s a vital step on our devolution journey, establishing aCombined Authority before people can elect a Mayor in May 2027.

“The economy of Cheshire and Warrington is strong, and by making the most of what devolution offers, we can build on this platform and establish our place in thew orld – working alongside Mayors in Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Regionto unlock investment, jobs and opportunity for local people and businesses.

“We stand ready to play a leading role in creating prosperity across our region, the North and UK PLC.”

CllrHans Mundry, Leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: 

“In Warrington, we can seethe transformative effect of investment and better public transport on a town’s outlook and opportunity. By increasing access to good quality jobs and improving skills, we have been able to develop one of the fastest growing local economies in the country. I am excited to see how devolution will help us to go faster and further than ever before.”

Leader and Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Nick Mannion and Cllr Michael Gorman, said:

 ‍“Devolution will bring a new approach to the region’s skills agenda and the opportunities we can offer to local people and businesses. We want to make Cheshire andWarrington the best place for businesses to invest and find new talent, and give local people the opportunities to find work, improve their skills and thrive.

“We want to support the rural economy by developing transport links, promoting the dairy industry and making the case for digital connectivity. This will make our region an even more attractive place to live, work, invest and visit.”

Minister for Devolution, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, said: 

“This is a fantastic step for Cheshire and Warrington, marking a milestone in this government's mission to shift power out of Westminster and into the hands of the people who know their communities best. 

"With over £650 million in investment unlocked through devolution, I have every onfidence that the region will go from strength to strength.

“Working alongside neighbouring Mayors and with a stronger voice on the national stage, Cheshire and Warrington is well-placed to deliver better jobs, better transport and real opportunity for its residents."

Steve Purdham, Chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Business Advisory Board, said: ‍

“Cheshire and Warrington has been a real success story within the Northern economy and wider UK. We’ve been able to buck the trend nationally by embracing new growth opportunities and moving forward with ambition and drive for our region.

“Devolution is good business: it brings power closer to home, will help local companies grow and attract the talent and skills they need, and bring new investment into Cheshire and Warrington. We look forward to working with the new Mayor to unlock the potential of our people, places and businesses.”

Today’s announcement follows news in January that the Combined Authority has appointed former Chief Executive of Homes England, Nick Walkley as its Interim Chief Executive.

The Combined Authority Shadow Board has been working since October 2025 to establish the robust foundations needed for successful devolution, including approval of the region's ambitious 20-year Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Strategy.

• The Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority covers the local authority areas of Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Warrington Borough Council. It does not replace or duplicate the roles and responsibilities of local councils. Devolution means bringing new powers and funding from central to government to the region.‍
• The region has a population of nearly one million residents and over 41,000 businesses.‍
• Devolution will provide over £650 million in Mayoral Investment  Funding over 30 years.‍
• The first Mayoral election will take place in May 2027.‍
• Nick Walkley was Chief Executive of Homes England (2017-2021), Chief Executive of Haringey Council (2013-2017), and Chief Executive of Barnet Council (2009-2013).