Cumbria has enormous potential – from the energy coast to the Lake District, from our thriving towns to our world-class industries. But too often, decisions about our future are made in Whitehall. This week, we took an historic step to change that.
Both local authorities made the decision this week to seize Labour’s offer to take back control for Cumbria, with a major package of funding and powers – a much more serious offer than we ever had under the Tories – and a new elected Mayor of Cumbria. More power, more investment, and more control in local hands. We’re talking about hundreds of millions of pounds of new funding – money that we could use to make a real difference here in West Cumbria – and this is just the start.
This isn’t about creating another layer of bureaucracy; it’s about bringing decisions home. Instead of waiting for London to decide what’s right for us, a Mayor of Cumbria will have the power to shape our economy, transport and skills system to match the needs of our communities.
Imagine a Cumbria where buses and trains actually work for people. A mayor could lead the charge to secure the major upgrade our railway needs and bring our buses back into public control, ensuring affordable fares, reliable routes and joined-up services that connect our towns and villages. Good transport links are the lifeblood of opportunity – for jobs, education, and access to healthcare.
A mayor would also have the tools to drive forward regeneration and industrial growth through new Mayoral Development Zones – turbocharging investment in West Cumbria. These zones could help unlock new housing, attract new industries and create thousands of skilled jobs in clean energy, advanced manufacturing and digital technology.
A mayor could work directly with local employers and education providers to make sure Cumbrians gain the skills to match the jobs being created here. Instead of a patchwork of national schemes that often miss the mark, a mayor could design joined-up local skills plans, align apprenticeships with local business needs, and use devolved funding to help people retrain throughout their careers. That’s how we make sure young people can build their futures here in Cumbria, rather than feeling they have to leave to get on.
Right now, Cumbria is missing out. Across the country, mayors are securing huge investment and new powers for their regions – deals that we don’t yet have. Meanwhile, here in Cumbria, we’re still having to bid piecemeal for funding pots designed in London. Without a mayor, we simply don’t have the same voice or the same seat at the table – and that means we risk being left behind while other regions move ahead.
This is a moment to be bold. With a Mayor of Cumbria, we can take back control of our future, unlock new opportunities, and build a county that works for every community – from the fells to the coast.
It’s time for Cumbria to lead the way.
Josh MacAlister MP 