The prospect of Gloucestershire joining Warwickshire and Worcestershire to form a “Mercia” combined authority with a directly elected mayor has received a warm welcome from opposition leaders within the county.
England’s local government landscape is undergoing significant reorganisation, with Gloucestershire set to merge its district councils with Shire Hall, forming one or more unitary authorities. Following this restructuring, the region could enter a combined authority—an arrangement enabling multiple councils to collaborate on critical regional issues such as economic development, transport, and housing.
Earlier this month, Stratford District Council’s deputy chief executive, Tony Perks, revealed that the government has prompted Warwickshire council leaders to initiate talks with neighbouring Worcestershire and Gloucestershire about establishing combined authorities with approximately 1.5 million people.
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“We’ve been asked to explore the feasibility of creating a mayoral or strategic authority with Worcestershire and Gloucestershire,” Perks explained, noting that it was a government-led initiative supported by a letter from local government minister Matthew Pennycook.
Within Gloucestershire, the Liberal Democrat leadership at the county council has expressed a preference to join the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), citing stronger economic ties with that region. However, opposition Reform UK councillors at Shire Hall advocate for aligning with the Midlands-based Mercia authority, emphasizing the county’s historic roots and cultural connections to the region.
Vernon Smith, former Gloucestershire County Council chairman and leader of the Reform group, stated: “Our roots have always been in the Midlands, so we strongly support a Mercia mayor.” Reform UK argues that this approach reflects the desire for locally grounded leadership that acknowledges the unique heritage and practical interests of the Midlands.
The proposed collaboration with Worcestershire and Warwickshire has also garnered support in northern parts of Gloucestershire. Tom Stowe, leader of the opposition at Cotswold District Council and Campden Vale representative, criticised the alternative, pointing out the impracticality of being linked to distant areas like parts of Somerset under WECA.
“Decisions from Bristol on key matters such as economic development and transport feel remote,” Stowe explained. “Our nearest major towns are Stratford and Evesham, which would be central to the Mercia authority. This option deserves serious consideration.”
As Gloucestershire navigates these regional governance choices, the debate continues over the best path to promote effective, locally relevant leadership that balances economic growth and community identity.