Henri Murison, Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP), has publicly endorsed the devolution proposals for Cheshire and Warrington, as three local councils prepare for formal votes in September on establishing a Mayoral Combined Authority.

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The NPP is a highly influential business-led think tank and advocacy group for the North of England which fosters collaboration between local and national government. George Osborne, former Chancellor of the Exchequer and MP for Tatton, serves alongside Henri as President of the NPP.

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NPP’s endorsement comes at a pivotal time for the future of Cheshire and Warrington. Outline plans to set up a Mayoral Combined Authority and hold Mayoral elections in May 2027 are due to be voted on by Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Warrington Borough Council in September. If approved, the devolution proposals would mean more local control over economy and regeneration funds, enabling targeted investments that support local industrial strengths – from life sciences to advanced manufacturing.

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Commenting on the Cheshire and Warrington devolution plans, Henri Murison, Northern Powerhouse Partnership Chief Executive, said:

“Cheshire and Warrington has historically had the highest productivity in the North, but the rate of growth of 7.3% in the last two decades has been slower than its neighbour Greater Manchester, which has seen the benefits of devolution.

“Devolution gives local leaders the powers and long-term funding they need to invest in transport, skills, and wider infrastructure in a way that reflects local priorities. It also creates a better platform for public-private collaboration, helping to attract investment, boost productivity, and drive innovation.

“By backing devolution for Cheshire and Warrington, we can secure a more prosperous, resilient future that is built on the local business base, including Bruntwood and Rolls Royce SMR, right through to many mid-market firms as well as countless SMEs.”

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The endorsement from NPP follows the recent government public consultation on proposals to establish a Cheshire and Warrington Mayoral Combined Authority. The consultation results found that over 60% of business respondents agreed that it would deliver benefits for the area by driving investment in local priorities, enabling better public transport and connectivity, enhancing local public services, and improving local governance and accountability.

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Local business leaders have long called for new measures to make it easier to attract funding, access to skills and training, and establish a strong local network to help local businesses grow. Devolution could help deliver on these issues because Cheshire and Warrington leaders will be empowered to work with a newly elected Mayor to jointly support local businesses through a more responsive and agile approach to local economic development.

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Commenting on the endorsement from the NPP, Steve Purdham, Chair of Cheshire and Warrington Business Advisory Board, said:

“Northern Powerhouse Partnership’s support underscores the growing consensus that empowering local leaders is essential for driving sustainable economic growth and ensuring that local decisions reflect the unique needs of our communities.

“As we approach the critical vote in September, the devolution proposals give us the power to shape our own destiny and transform our local economy. It is vital that we have a seat at the table when it comes to the big decisions that impact on the future of our region, particularly when it comes to access to funding and investment that could make a real difference for businesses and communities across Cheshire and Warrington. We’re ready to invest in our people, businesses and public services, and we will stand up for our communities to ensure that our area really benefits from the huge economic potential that devolution will deliver.”

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Sarah Callander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey near Nantwich, said:

“There is so much potential in the Cheshire and Warrington economy, but local businesses like mine need support and I think devolution will deliver that.

“Devolution could be a gamechanger for local businesses as a new Mayor – working with local businesses and council leaders – would be able to respond more quickly to new opportunities and help us access new funding, skills and training to help us grow. Councils need to back devolution for Cheshire and Warrington if they are serious about backing local businesses, growing the local economy, and creating more local jobs.”

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For more information about the Cheshire and Warrington devolution programme, visit cheshireandwarringtondevolution.com.