Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness Councils request delay to mayoral election
Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council have requested that a vote be held in May 2027, a year later than planned.
The government has yet to confirm that statutory tests have been met and that devolution in Cumbria can proceed.
If it can, both councils then still need to make a formal decision to agree to a Mayoral Combined Authority, which would then require an election.
In a letter requesting a deferral to Jim McMahon MP, Minister for English Devolution and Local Governance, the councils state: 'This request is made in the spirit of constructive partnership and with a shared ambition to ensure the strongest possible foundations for a successful new governance model that delivers for the people of Cumbria.'
Local elections for Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council are both scheduled for 2027.
The two councils say holding a mayoral election on the same date would save significant resources - about £1 million if held as a standalone election - and would result in a higher voter turnout.
They added that a deferral would also provide more time to prepare for the establishment of a new combined authority.
It was announced that Cumbria was included in the Government's Devolution Priority Programme in February.
Both councils were invited to join the Priority Programme after earlier expressing interest in exploring what greater devolution of powers could mean in Cumbria.
The new Labour Government has set out its intention to widen devolution across England, giving regions more powers and decision-making over matters such as economic development, transport, employment support, planning, and housing.
The Government has not yet reported back on the public consultation exercise it held earlier this year.
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