Devolution Minister sees great opportunity in visit to Cheshire

Local Government and English Devolution minister, Jim McMahon, visited Ellesmere Port yesterday afternoon (13 February), meeting with the leaders of Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington Council to discuss exciting plans for devolution in the region.

This was a fantastic early opportunity for Cheshire and Warrington leaders to discuss what devolution could achieve for our residents, businesses and communities. The Minister also used the occasion to visit one of our local colleges to meet apprentices and talk about the importance of future green skills.    

Last week, Deputy Prime Minister announced that Cheshire and Warrington has been accepted as part of the government’s Devolution Priority Programme, with plans to hold mayoral elections in May 2026. 

Leaders from the region’s three councils were delighted to welcome the announcement. Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cllr Hans Mundry, leader of Warrington Borough Council and the leader and deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Nick Mannion and Cllr Michael Gorman, said: 

“Devolution for Cheshire & Warrington means more decisions made locally, by the people who know our area best - not centrally driven from Westminster.  It means local leaders will make the important decisions about our area that matter most to our residents, communities and businesses.  

“We need affordable and convenient transport, good quality homes in the right places, and a workforce with the skills our businesses need. Devolution would help us to meet these challenges.  Our shared vision for Cheshire and Warrington is to be the healthiest, most sustainable, inclusive and growing economy in the UK. 

“For residents, devolution will mean better transport, more jobs, stronger skills training, thriving town centres and prosperous rural communities - creating a place where everyone benefits.  

“For businesses, it will enable growth and investment in our world-leading sectors - life sciences, clean energy, digital, and advanced manufacturing. We will also support growth in our SMEs and our rural economies, creating more and better jobs in the area.   

“This is a once in a generation opportunity for us to improve Cheshire & Warrington for everyone who lives, works and enjoys life in a place they are proud to call home.”

Whilst in the town, the Minister visited Cheshire College South and West’s Ellesmere Port campus, meeting learners and staff. 

With demand for green skills and technical qualifications in construction rising, the £680,000 on-site eco-house gives students valuable hands-on experience with sustainable technologies, working in a real-life setting. Students work on the maintenance and installation of sustainable features, for example servicing of ground source heat pumps and how they work. This hands-on approach helps learners of all ages develop new skills and tackle the UK’s current skills shortage. 

Mark Parsons, assistant principal of curriculum has overseen the project, he said: 

“Learning is very different when you can use your senses: to see and touch the house is a change from looking at an image on screen or in the classroom. As a T Level provider, we understand the importance of this kind of on-the-job experience which is why we are excited to see our students use this new house to learn new skills that will have a positive impact on not only them as individuals but the planet.” 

Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE MP said: 

“It was a pleasure to meet local leaders from across Cheshire and Warrington to discuss next steps on our Devolution Priority Programme.  

“There’s a huge opportunity here to take on powers over key areas like skills and planning that will help drive local growth and job creation – a key aim of this government's Plan for Change.  

“This would help turbocharge the work already underway here through initiatives such as the Eco House skills scheme, and so I look forward to seeing the area progress on the journey to greater devolution.”

Pictured: Jim McMahon meets Cheshire and Warrington leaders (left to right) Cllr Jean Flaherty, Cllr Karen Shore, Cllr Hans Mundry, (Jim McMahon OBE MP) Cllr Nick Mannion, Cllr Louise Gittins, Cllr Michael Gorman.