The transfer of powers from Parliament to Cheshire and Warrington were confirmed on Tuesday 24 February, giving local people and leaders more control over their destiny.

The Parliamentary Order to formally establish the combined authority has been approved and signed by Minister for Devolution, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP.

This means the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority is now officially established.

Residents will elect their first mayor in May 2027 and through the transfer of key transport, economy and skills powers from Whitehall, the combined authority will unlock at least £650m in funding over the next 30 years.‍

As the combined authority is set up over the next 12 months, it aims to attract investment, create better jobs and improve public transport, transforming the area into the UK's healthiest, most sustainable, inclusive and fastest-growing economy by 2045.

Leader and deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Nick Mannion (right) and Cllr Michael Gorman (left) (Photo: CEC).

Leader and deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Nick Mannion and Cllr Michael Gorman, said: "Devolution will bring a new approach to the region's skills agenda and the opportunities we can offer to local people and businesses.

"We want to make Cheshire and Warrington the best place for businesses to invest and find new talent and give local people the opportunities to find work, improve their skills and thrive.

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"We want to support the rural economy by developing transport links, promoting the dairy industry and making the case for digital connectivity. This will make our region an even more attractive place to live, work, invest and visit."

The Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority will hold its inaugural meeting in April 2026.

Its board will be made up of the leaders and deputy leaders of Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Warrington Borough Council, before a mayor is elected in May 2027.

Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cllr Louise Gittins, said: "Today is a landmark moment for Cheshire and Warrington, marking the transfer of powers from Westminster to our region.

"It's a vital step on our devolution journey, establishing a combined authority before people can elect a mayor in May 2027.

"The economy of Cheshire and Warrington is strong and, by making the most of what devolution offers, we can build on this platform and establish our place in the world, working alongside mayors in Greater Manchester and Liverpool City region to unlock investment, jobs and opportunity for local people and businesses.‍

"We stand ready to play a leading role in creating prosperity across our region, the North and UK Plc."

Becoming a combined authority means Cheshire and Warrington now sits alongside neighbouring northern regions to build on the opportunities devolution presents, giving Cheshire and Warrington a seat at the table on northern, national and international platforms.‍

Leader of Warrington Borough Council, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: "In Warrington, we can see the transformative effect of investment and better public transport on a town's outlook and opportunity.

"By increasing access to good quality jobs and improving skills, we have been able to develop one of the fastest-growing local economies in the country. I am excited to see how devolution will help us to go faster and further than ever before."‍

February 24's announcement follows news in January the Combined Authority has appointed former Chief Executive of Homes England, Nick Walkley as its Interim Chief Executive.

Minister for Devolution, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP said: "This is a fantastic step for Cheshire and Warrington, marking a milestone in this government's mission to shift power out of Westminster and into the hands of the people who know their communities best.

"With over £650m in investment unlocked through devolution, I have every confidence that the region will go from strength to strength.

"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."