York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith at Downing Street

Joined by England's metro mayors, including Mr Skaith, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner set out their ambitions for each leader to deliver economic growth working hand-in-hand with central government to benefit local people.

They confirmed that Mayors will be backed with new powers over planning, skills, employment support and transport; along with integrated funding settlements to leaders.

York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith (furthest left) during the 10 Downing Street meeting (Image: PA MEDIA)

Mr Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “I want to see our region reach its full potential. We need to have more affordable housing and better living standards, our communities must be connected and businesses given every chance to thrive.

"We are not like many mayoral areas, with a distinctive rural, coastal and urban setting and strong carbon-negative ambitions, making it a vibrant place full of opportunity.

"We can show how rural economies can make a unique and significant contribution to green growth. I will be positioning York and North Yorkshire as a powerful test bed from which resilience on nationally significant issues can be borne.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Image: PA MEDIA)

“Meeting the Prime Minister, with other Mayors, has shown the support we have from the new Government to drive the benefits of devolution forward for our region. Working in partnership locally and nationally, we can deliver investment and create new opportunities for York and North Yorkshire.”

During the meeting, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed their belief that Mayors have the "vital local knowledge, capacity or flexibility needed to take advantage of every opportunity."

Mr Starmer added: “We know the huge potential of York and North Yorkshire, home to the headquarters of iconic brands and a major manufacturing hub in its own right.  

“Local leaders know their areas best, and what the strengths and opportunities are that can only be unlocked from local decision making."

The Deputy Prime Minister will write to all Mayors reiterating the need to work together to develop proposals to boost growth and other opportunities.

A key part of the roundtable focused on resetting the relationship between central and regional governments, focusing on public service, respect and collaboration, along with the early steps needed to unlock economic growth and tackle regional inequality.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner (Image: PA MEDIA)

The Deputy Prime Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to widening devolution to more areas, encouraging more local authorities to come together and take on new powers.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “Areas like York and North Yorkshire are brilliantly placed to be global leaders in the green technology of the future.

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“We want to relight the fire of our regions to drive growth in every part of this country, and to do this properly we need people who know their areas best to have their say.

“That’s why it’s so important we work hand-in-hand with our Mayors to harness the potential of our towns and cities, tackle regional inequalities and to make a difference to people’s lives.

“But I want to take devolution even further and expand our offer to other areas – and I invite local leaders from parts of England without a mayor to come forward and speak to us about how we can work with you to transform your regions.”