Starmer Rallies England's Mayors Behind Growth and Infrastructure Push

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has brought together mayors from across England as part of a renewed drive to accelerate housing, infrastructure and transport projects, promising Government support for local leaders prepared to push forward developments that have faced delays or opposition.

The meeting of the Mayoral Council, attended by mayors from across the political spectrum, focused on how devolved powers can be used to unlock economic growth, improve transport networks and deliver new homes in communities across the country.

At the heart of the discussions was the Government's determination to tackle what it sees as longstanding barriers to development, with ministers signalling a willingness to intervene where major projects have stalled.

Starmer used the meeting to reinforce his commitment to boosting housebuilding and infrastructure delivery, arguing that delays to development risk undermining opportunities for future generations.

One of the most prominent examples highlighted by the Government was the proposed New Town development in north London. Ministers indicated they are prepared to challenge opposition to the scheme after concerns were raised about local resistance despite significant housing demand and proximity to existing rail infrastructure.

The Government also confirmed ongoing discussions with the Mayor of London over plans to bring rail services between Moorgate, Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage under Transport for London control. The move is intended to improve service reliability and strengthen transport links supporting future housing growth in areas including Crews Hill and Chase Park.

Starmer said the Government was determined to reverse what he described as a culture of delay and obstruction that has held back development across the country.

He said local leaders would be supported where they bring forward credible proposals capable of delivering jobs, homes and economic growth, adding that devolution gives communities greater influence over decisions affecting their future.

The meeting comes as the Government continues to expand its programme of devolution, with mayoral authorities now covering around two-thirds of England's population.

Ministers argue that reforms introduced through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act have equipped mayors with stronger powers over planning, regeneration and infrastructure delivery, enabling them to take a more active role in unlocking development opportunities.

A key theme of the discussions was the Government's ambition to move decision-making away from Westminster and into the hands of local leaders. This includes the introduction of a new "Right to Request" process, allowing mayors to seek additional powers tailored to the needs of their regions.

The Government believes the approach will help accelerate growth by enabling local authorities to shape policies around transport, housing and economic development more effectively.

Alongside the devolution agenda, Starmer also outlined a package of major transport investments designed to support regional growth and improve connectivity.

Projects highlighted include the development of a mass transit network in West Yorkshire, further expansion of the West Midlands Metro system and the reopening of the Cowley Branch Line in Oxfordshire to serve new employment and innovation hubs.

The Government has also pledged to devolve Transport and Works Act Order approval powers, enabling mayors to approve future mass transit schemes without requiring central government sign-off.

Ministers say the reforms will speed up project delivery while giving regions greater control over transport investment.

The latest meeting underlines the increasingly central role mayors are expected to play in delivering the Government's growth agenda, with local leaders being positioned as key partners in efforts to boost housing supply, improve infrastructure and drive economic development.

For transport authorities, the combination of enhanced powers, longer-term funding settlements and greater control over infrastructure decisions could represent one of the most significant shifts in local governance for a generation.

Whether that translates into faster delivery on the ground will be closely watched as mayoral authorities seek to turn ambitious plans into completed projects and tangible improvements for local communities.