Cheshire and Warrington region becomes new Combined Authority

The Cheshire and Warrington region has become the latest North West region to become a Mayoral Combined Authority, granting the area greater powers similar to neighbouring Greater Manchester.

The Parliamentary Order to formally establish the Combined Authority has been approved and signed by Minister for Devolution, Miatta Fahnbulleh, with work to continue to prepare for the election of the region’s first Mayor in May 2027.

With the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority now officially established, the region will take greater powers over transport, skills and investment, including a 30-year investment fund worth £650 million.

Devolution will also give the area’s three local authorities a seat at the table on key northern, national and international platforms and enable closer working with neighbouring combined authorities in Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region with which it shares strong economic and transport ties.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: 

“The economy of Cheshire and Warrington is strong, and by making the most of what devolution offers, we can build on this platform. By having a Mayor, we can work alongside our neighbours in Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region to unlock investment, jobs and opportunity for local people and businesses, and play a stronger role in creating prosperity across our region, the North and UK PLC.”

The Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority will hold its inaugural meeting in April 2026. Its board will be made up of the leaders and deputy leaders of Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Warrington Borough Council until the 2027 election of a Mayor. Former Chief Executive of Homes England, Nick Walkley was announced in January as the Combined Authority’s Interim Chief Executive.