Regional leaders in the East Midlands have turned down the chance to be among the first in England to have their own government.

Members of the region's assembly - made up of businesses, councils and voluntary groups - have told the government they do not want to be on a "fast track" to devolution.

Regions across England were asked if they were prepared to move swiftly towards self-government.

However the East Midlands assembly voted against the plan.

Councillor Mick Young, who chairs the assembly, said: "One of the things ministers will be looking for is evidence of public support for this and quite frankly in the East Midlands that doesn't exist at the moment."