Gloucestershire is asserting its capability to form its own strategic authority, rejecting proposals to merge into a Bristol-centric partnership or join councils with northern neighbors such as Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
This viewpoint emerged during a recent devolution debate at Gloucestershire County Council, where councilors discussed the future governance of the county amid ongoing regional restructuring.
The Liberal Democrat leadership at Shire Hall favors joining the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) due to Gloucestershire’s strong economic and cultural connections with Bristol. However, civic leaders in Bristol appear reluctant to incorporate Gloucestershire, and the current WECA mayor has expressed opposition to the county’s inclusion.
READ MORE: Chesterfield vs Cheltenham Town TV Guide: How to Watch the League Two Clash
READ MORE: MP Opposes Controversial Plan for Massive New Housing Developments on A417 and A40
On the other hand, Reform UK, which leads the opposition at Gloucestershire County Council, supports forming a “Mercia partnership” with northern counties. They argue this alignment better reflects Gloucestershire’s historical and cultural ties within the Midlands region.
Another alternative on the table is for Gloucestershire to establish a standalone strategic authority. Council leaders have agreed to submit proposals for a single-county foundation strategic authority alongside their long-term preference for joining WECA.
County Councillor Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton), also leader of Gloucester City Council, emphasized that a Gloucestershire-specific authority is the most suitable option. Speaking at the March 25 meeting, he said, “We are being offered the opportunity to set up a Gloucestershire foundation strategic authority before we can join WECA." He highlighted resistance from WECA’s Labour mayor, suggesting it could delay Gloucestershire’s integration.
Hilton called for powers and responsibilities previously removed from the County Council to be restored. He added, “Gloucestershire has a population of over 660,000. It’s big enough to manage devolved responsibilities and government funding.”
Rejecting the need to join Bristol or northern counties, Hilton envisioned a future where South Gloucestershire could rejoin, reuniting the historic county under one authority to address key regional challenges.
During the debate, Councillor Martin Horwood (LD, Leckhampton and Warden Hill) criticized the devolution process as a “top-down centralising imposition” by the central government. He advocated looking south for alignment, noting, “Historically, Gloucestershire was only part of Mercia for a couple of hundred years.” He underscored past ties to Bristol, citing, “Bristol was part of Gloucestershire—that’s why Gloucestershire County Cricket Club is located there.”
Horwood also supported the idea of a “Greater Gloucestershire” strategic authority, encompassing North, East, West, and South Gloucestershire. “I think it’s a good idea if we can achieve it,” he said, expressing his full backing for such a unifying governance model.