'Milestone' for Oxfordshire's devolution plans

Plans for Oxfordshire to be part of a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) for the Thames Valley have reached a "milestone" moment.

At a meeting of Oxfordshire County Council on Tuesday, the authority agreed to formally sign an expression of interest, signalling their request to government to form an MSA.

Leader of the council, Liz Leffman, said it was an "important milestone" and hoped the region could "catch up" with other areas where a mayoral authority had already been approved.

But questions remain over whether or not Swindon should be a part of the plans.

During a discussion at full council, Liberal Democrat councillor, Gareth Epps, said including Swindon would be like trying to graft "a donkey's ear on to the head of a bull" and they had no characteristics in common with the region.

But leader of Oxford City Council, Susan Brown, had previously expressed her support for Swindon's inclusion, saying they were a natural economic partner.

Should the government approve the request, a devolution board will be set up, comprising the leaders of local authorities who have expressed an interest in taking part.

This will establish the area's priorities, to help inform a future mayor of the region's priorities.

The county council intends to submit the expression of interest on Friday 19 December.

It comes after the first planned mayoral elections were postponed from 2026 to 2028.

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