'Landmark moment' as combined authority comes into force

A combined authority for Cheshire and Warrington has formally come into force, in what has been described by local leaders as a "landmark moment".

The Parliamentary Order to formally establish the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority has been approved and signed by devolution minister Miatta Fahnbulleh.

The body will have limited powers until the area elects its first mayor in May 2027.

The combined authority covers the areas of Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington Council.

It is not a merger of the three areas and they will each retain their responsibilities for providing council services in their areas.

Former Homes England chief executive Nick Walkley has been appointed as its interim chief executive and the combined authority will have its first meeting in April.

Cheshire and Warrington was included on the government's devolution priority programme in February 2025 and the three councils voted to approve the plans in September.

The area's devolution deal will give the mayor and combined authority powers related to transport, skills and investment, with a 30-year investment fund worth £650m available for the area.

Louise Gittens, the leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, described the move as a "landmark moment" and a "vital step" in the area's devolution journey.

Devolution minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said it marked a "milestone" in the government's mission to shift power out of Westminster.

"Working alongside neighbouring Mayors and with a stronger voice on the national stage, Cheshire and Warrington is well-placed to deliver better jobs, better transport and real opportunity for its residents."

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