Blackpool politicians welcome progress
Political leaders in Blackpool have backed the prospect of a mayor for Lancashire after the county was placed among areas nearing agreement with the Government on a new mayoral strategic authority. The development was included in papers linked to Chancellor John Healey’s Budget announcement on Wednesday, putting Lancashire in a more advanced position than previously recorded.
The Government listed Lancashire as one of 10 areas in the “final stages” of agreeing a mayoral strategic authority. If negotiations are completed successfully, residents could be asked to choose a mayor in May 2028. The proposals would give the county a new political figurehead and a structure intended to strengthen local decision-making, although the source material does not set out the final powers or funding arrangements.
The possibility has been welcomed by Lorraine Beavers, the Labour MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, and Cllr Lynn Williams, the Labour leader of Blackpool Council. Both argue that a Lancashire-wide mayor could help the Fylde coast secure a greater share of investment and give the area a stronger voice in discussions with central Government.
“If we had a Lancashire Mayor more of your money would stay here.”
Cllr Williams said Blackpool and the wider county had considerable potential but needed additional powers and investment to realise it. She pointed to the creation of the Lancashire Combined County Authority as an important stage in the process, saying the work involved had helped bring the county to its current position in negotiations.
What supporters say could change
For Blackpool, the argument put forward by the council leader centres on whether decisions about major regional priorities can be made closer to the communities affected. Her comments identified several areas where a mayoral structure could have an impact:
- Transport: investment and planning across Lancashire;
- Housing: support for building new homes;
- Business: measures intended to encourage firms to invest and expand;
- Employment: attracting employers and creating more jobs for local people;
- Young people: creating opportunities across the county.
Williams said mayors in other parts of the country had attracted investment worth millions, and in some cases billions, to improve transport, build homes, support businesses and create opportunities for young people. Those remarks describe the potential benefits supporters associate with the role rather than confirmed funding for Lancashire. The eventual settlement would determine what powers and resources were available to the new authority.
| Development | Position or date |
|---|---|
| Lancashire’s status | Included among 10 areas in the Government’s final-stage discussions |
| Possible election | May 2028, subject to successful negotiations |
| Existing regional body | Lancashire Combined County Authority |
The proposal now moves into a period of negotiation rather than an immediate election campaign. For Blackpool residents, the next significant question will be what responsibilities a Lancashire mayor would hold and how the Fylde coast would be represented within the wider county. Any election in 2028 remains conditional on the Government and Lancashire reaching a successful conclusion to the talks.
Williams said the role could help Blackpool and other Lancashire communities become more ambitious, while giving local businesses greater confidence to grow and encouraging new employers to establish themselves in the area. The comments underline the central case being made by supporters: that a single elected mayor could present Lancashire’s priorities more forcefully and help attract investment. No final agreement, powers or funding package has yet been announced.
