Concerns have been raised that the creation of a new East Midlands Mayor will leave 'too much power' in the hands of one person. Critics also say the new role would be a "waste of money" and that the person elected to it could be "detached from local issues".
A public consultation has been held on plans to give more decision-making powers and money to Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. A new authority to manage this extra power and money will be created and, as part of the initial agreement signed last summer, this authority will be headed up by an elected mayor for the area.
The first mayor is due to be elected in May 2024, with powers over areas including local transport and housing. But despite widespread agreement on nearly all areas of the devolution plans, the way in which the new East Midlands authority will be governed failed to achieve majority support.
