Politics Portsmouth councillors split on whether Portsmouth or South East needs a metro mayor By Toby Paine Published 7th Aug 2024, 11:46 BST Comment Watch more of our videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276 Visit Shots! now Councillors have discussed the possibility of Portsmouth, and other areas in Hampshire, having a metro mayor. It comes after a meeting held in early July between the Prime Minister and 12 regional mayors to discuss the shift of power away from Westminster towards cities and counties – a process known as devolution. A metro mayor in England is an elected official who leads a combined authority, a collaboration of multiple local councils within a metropolitan area.
The meeting hosted mayors such as London’s Sadiq Khan and Greater Manchester’s Andy Burnham along with other mayors from the West Midlands and Tees Valley. However, there are no metro mayors representing the South East of England. Councillor Charlotte Gerada, leader of the Portsmouth Labour group, said “this seems mad” given that the South East is the most densely populated region in the UK.
Discussions are being raised about whether a metro mayor will be installed in Portsmouth. From left: Charlotte Gerada, Labour, Council leader Steve Pitt, Liberal Democrats, and George Madgwick, Portsmouth Independents Party. | Sarah Standing/Stuart Martin Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The News, you can get unli.