Tewkesbury MP Cameron Thomas has voiced strong opposition to Gloucestershire joining the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), which centers around Bristol. Instead, he advocates for the county to collaborate with Worcestershire. Thomas argues that aligning with the Bristol-focused WECA could leave Gloucestershire marginalized and treated as a junior partner.
By joining forces with Worcestershire, Gloucestershire could foster a more balanced and mutually beneficial partnership. This approach, he suggests, would better serve the county’s interests and promote regional development without the risk of being dominated by a larger city like Bristol.
Thomas’s stance highlights the ongoing debate over regional cooperation and how best to ensure all areas have an equal voice in combined authorities. His call for Gloucestershire to work alongside Worcestershire reflects concerns about fair representation and local autonomy within broader regional frameworks.