Four Councils to Continue To Push For Wessex Mayor

Wednesday, 12 August 2026 15:26

The leaders of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, Dorset Council, Somerset Council and Wiltshire Council have welcomed the Government’s invitation to express an interest in establishing a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Wessex.

The invitation marks an important step in ongoing discussions with the Government about securing a devolution agreement for the region.

If successful, such an agreement could bring additional powers, responsibilities and investment to Wessex, enabling more decisions on areas such as transport, skills, housing, infrastructure and economic growth to be made locally.

Any proposal for a Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority would not involve a merger of councils. BCP, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire councils would remain separate unitary authorities, with responsibility for delivering local services in their respective areas.

The leaders have issued the following joint statement:

“We have been clear Wessex is ready and uniquely placed to move forward with a Mayoral Strategic Authority, and we welcome the Government’s invitation to express an interest as the next step in securing devolution for our region.

“This is an exciting and once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring decisions closer to local people, unlock investment and drive long-term prosperity to every postcode across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire.

“As the only fully unitary area in England without a devolution arrangement, we already operate at the scale required and, with no need for local government reorganisation, we are ready to realise the benefits of devolution from day one.

“A Mayoral Strategic Authority has always been our aim as it would give Wessex the powers and funding that local leaders need to improve transport, housing, skills, infrastructure and lasting economic growth, while strengthening our contribution to the national economy.

"The case for Wessex is clear. We are united in our ambition and ready to seize this opportunity. We are committed to working with Government to secure a devolution agreement that matches the scale and ambition of our potential."

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council

Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of BCP Council

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council

Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council

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