A Gloucestershire council is urging that the possibility of joining a Three Counties or Mercia combined authority remains under consideration amid ongoing devolution talks. As local government reorganises across England, new powers are set to be devolved to councils that form strategic combined authorities in the coming years.
Currently, five district authorities in Gloucestershire, together with the County Council, have shown a preference for aligning with the Bristol-focused West of England Combined Authority (WECA). However, this move appears to be a long-term prospect, given that North Somerset is expected to join WECA first. It has also been rumored that the Mayor of the West of England may oppose Gloucestershire’s inclusion.
In contrast, Tewkesbury Borough Council is advocating for Gloucestershire to also explore partnerships with councils located to the north—in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Warwickshire. At an April 7 council meeting, Borough Council leader Richard Stanley emphasized the value in both options, choosing to hold off on committing to any position until full council debate could take place.
“Many councillors feel a strong connection to northern counties with shared history and characteristics,” Stanley noted. Deputy Leader Sarah Hands highlighted the importance of keeping multiple options open: “Why should everyone else decide for us? We need to ensure Gloucestershire has a voice across the table everywhere.”
Councillor David Gray expressed concerns that joining the West of England Combined Authority might dilute Gloucestershire’s unique identity, citing Bristol’s vastly larger scale and influence. “We risk becoming overshadowed, losing our county’s character,” he said. Gray pointed to historical ties with northern neighbours as a more fitting alignment.
Supporting this view, Conservative Councillor Paul McLain successfully amended the council’s stance to pursue engagement with northern counties alongside WECA. “We are a tadpole surrounded by very large toads,” McLain remarked, underscoring the potential imbalance in joining the stronger Avon regions.
Other voices, such as Reform UK Councillor Graham Bocking and Independent Councillor Mike Sztymiak, stressed the need to keep options open and recognized the cultural and heritage value of aligning with the Three Counties. Sztymiak explained, “It’s not just economics; it’s about hearts, minds, and identity. Whether called Mercia or something else, that ancient name still lives in the public’s psyche.”
Ultimately, all councillors except one voted in favor of exploring the northern combined authority option, reflecting broad support for considering a wide range of alliances as Gloucestershire navigates its devolution future.