A PLAN to secure a mayor for Devon is gaining ground as the county’s politicians furiously work behind the scenes to make a bid possible.

Mayors are a key pillar in the government’s bid to overhaul how local government operates, with their purpose to oversee major projects, including transport, housing and economic development.

Formally named strategic mayoral authorities, these bodies would sit above the councils in their area, and help coordinate projects that benefit residents across the county.

With Cornwall vocalising its opposition to creating a strategic mayoral authority with its neighbour, politicians in Devon are now attempting to ignite their own bid.

The route to do this looks likely to be through the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA).

This entity was only formally created in February, and, somewhat ironically, pursued a non-mayoral route.

It consists of Devon County Council and Torbay Council as the lead members, with Devon’s eight districts having representation through two more seats.

When the government’s reorganisation of councils was announced at the end of 2024, some thought the DTCCA could become defunct, but now efforts are being made to ensure it is the conduit through which Devon secures a mayor.

While mayors are viewed as integral to the government’s bid to reshape how local democracy works, some areas where the council reorganisation plans have been accepted, such as Surrey, have not subsequently been told when they will be able to get a directly elected mayor.

‘There is a possible route to a mayor through the DTCCA,’ said Councillor Paul Arnott, the deputy leader of Devon County Council who is a member of the DTCCA.

‘If the CCA includes Plymouth then we can apply to go ahead of all the other places struggling to get a mayor, like Somerset, Dorset, and Surrey.’

Plymouth opted not to join the DTCCA when it was created, but the body repeatedly said the door would be left open for Plymouth to join at a later date.

If the city reiterated its opposition to joining, then the DTCCA would have to investigate whether it could apply for a mayoralty to cover its existing footprint, it’s understood.

Furthermore, if Cornwall receives confirmation it can have its own mayor, then Cllr Arnott said this would add ballast to Devon’s bid for one too.

‘Getting a mayor is the real game in town now,’ he added.

A spokesperson for the DTCCA said both decisions to change from a non-mayoral entity to a mayoral one and to expand, would ultimately rest with the Secretary of State.

‘Any potential expansion of the DTCCA and the introduction of a directly elected mayor are distinct decisions,’ the spokesperson said.

‘Under current legislation, the DTCCA may submit a proposal to the Secretary of State for either or both changes.

‘Any proposal must set out how any decision improves the economic, social, and environmental well-being of some or all of the people that live or work in the area, as well as demonstrating that the proposals have broad public and political support.

‘For any expansion, consent is required from the council of the affected local government area, in addition to approval by the DTCCA board.’

The spokesperson added that all of Devon’s councils had “previously written to government to express their strong preference for progressing with mayoral devolution at the earliest opportunity in order to unlock broader powers and funding for the area”.

‘We remain committed to exploring every available option to expedite this and are actively engaging with government to understand and meet any specific requirements necessary to move forward including any public consultation obligations,’ the spokesperson added.