A report from Labour Together, the Starmerite think tank, is calling on the government to significantly expand devolution, potentially granting mayors control over schools, hospitals, and other public services. The report, authored by JP Spencer, proposes that mayors appoint commissioners to oversee areas like health and criminal justice, mirroring the role of police and crime commissioners.
The think tank argues this would save money and increase local accountability. It also suggests a funding formula akin to the Barnett formula for mayoral budgets, though this has been rejected by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, seen as a potential leadership challenger, could benefit from such changes. However, the report notes that giving power to mayors from opposing parties, such as Reform UK's Luke Campbell in Hull and Andrea Jenkyns in Lincolnshire, might help address voter disenchantment by restoring a sense of agency.
Local Government Secretary Steve Reed, a close Starmer ally, is reportedly open to further devolution in health, education, and criminal justice, drawing on his experience with 'co-operative council' reforms in Lambeth.
