COUNCIL leaders have expressed frustration over the lack of progress towards devolution in Yorkshire, saying the region is being overlooked in favour of places with elected mayors.
As the Government continues to consider the One Yorkshire scheme to give powers from the government to Yorkshire, under the control of an elected mayor, Conservative local authority leaders in North Yorkshire said their efforts to press ahead with negotiations had been thwarted by the Northern Powerhouse minister.
Councillor Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said at the recent Conservative Party conference and elected mayors was a key issue.
He told the meeting: “It seemed to me that unless you have an elected mayor you are not at the front of the queue for negotiating with government.”
Richmondshire District Council leader Councillor Yvonne Peacock added it was apparent at the party conference that elected mayors were being given “control and opportunity”.
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