PM backs mayor and devolution plans in Wessex region

A mayor for the Wessex region appears to be a step closer after the prime minister said he was keen on a "fully devolved south west of England".

West Dorset MP Edward Morello raised concerns in parliament about the area "being left behind" over funding, by not having a directly elected mayor.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham responded that he wanted to move "quickly" on devolution, offering to meet councillors from Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), Wiltshire and Somerset to discuss how the proposal could progress.

Labour MPs in the region appear divided on the issue however, withPoole's Neil Duncan-Jordan saying it would create an "artificial entity" of urban and rural areas.

The combined bid for a Heart of Wessex authority and mayor, comprising the four councils, was rejected by the government in January 2025 for not being advanced or developed enough.

Following the rejection, council leaders expressed their disappointment and anger at losing out financially.

Speaking in the House of Commons during Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) on Wednesday, Lib Dem Morello urged Burnham to "commit to a mayor of Wessex by 2028".

The prime minister said there had already been talks with Cornwall and Devon councillors over devolution.

"Yes, I'm always happy to create more mayors. Let's move quickly to get a fully devolved Wessex and south west of England," he said.

Speaking after PMQs, Morello admitted there was no affinity for a "medieval kingdom of Wessex".

"Without that mayor we won't have the single voice lobbying for more money and more power," he said.

"What I want is as much money for Dorset - providing for transport and public services that we vitally need."

He cited a report from the Wessex Partnership – representing the four leaders of the councils – that said a mayor could bring in £460m of direct funding and unlock £16bn of financial benefit to the region.

He said the Wessex region had "not been at the top of government's priorities".

In a joint statement, the leaders of the four councils said the prime minister's comments marked a "landmark moment".

"This is about delivering better outcomes for our residents and businesses," they said.

"Securing a Mayoral Strategic Authority will ensure that Wessex is no longer left behind but is finally on a level playing field for the funding, powers and opportunities available to other parts of the country.

"There is still work to do, but we start from a position of strength. Our message to government is - we're ready, we're excited, and we're looking forward to getting on with the job."

Opinion among the region's MPs was divided. South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton said he "wholeheartedly supports" Wessex devolution.

However his Labour colleague Duncan-Jordan said: "I don't think the case has been made yet.

"There is no real public support for creating an artificial entity called Wessex. I wonder what people in Poole would have in common with those in Somerset for example."

Tom Hayes, Labour MP for Bournemouth East, has written to the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government warning that the area may not receive the attention or investment that it should in a "mainly rural Wessex geography".

Conservative MP for North Dorset Simon Hoare also questioned the inclusion of the BCP conurbation.

"It has an entirely different economy and set of circumstances to the rest of Dorset and wider Wiltshire and Somerset," he said.

He added that he did not support the "extra funding being dangled as a carrot".

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government has been approached for further comment.