Minister Jim McMahon told Lancashire council leaders securing an elected mayor was a priority. A possible £35m a year for 30 years—just over £1bn—was mooted, but he said he could not formally commit Treasury funds; elections are not due until 2028.
The Lancashire Combined County Authority brings together Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council. Their leaders described the meeting as positive and constructive and said they would consider the information and possible next steps.
Any mayoral proposal would need approval from each constituent council and the LCCA before formal submission to government. The authority was created in 2025; all 15 Lancashire councils have discussed devolution over the past decade.
