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Written question asked by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Monday, 27 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 October 2025. It was answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 November 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Cornwall Council: Mayors

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether Cornwall Council will have a (a) single foundation elected mayor or (b) council elected mayor.

Answer

As set out in the Written Statement of 24 June 2025 (Simplified Local Leadership Structures, HCWS736), the Government is taking steps to prevent the creation of any further directly elected local authority mayors in England. In addition, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill makes provision for the Secretary of State to designate a unitary council or county council, which is not covered by an existing strategic authority, as a single foundation strategic authority without a mayor, subject to the consent of the council involved. The English Devolution White Paper makes clear that non-mayoral devolution arrangements for single local authorities will only be considered by exception, and that the Government’s preference is for councils to combine with one or more neighbouring councils in order to be designated a strategic authority.

The Government remains committed to working in partnership with local government, including Cornwall Council, to explore how devolution can best be delivered in each area

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
85169
Session
2024-26
Related items
Simplified Local Leadership Structures
Tuesday, 24 June 2025
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects
Mayors Cornwall Council
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk