The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has been Downing Street with the country’s regional mayors to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to discuss more powers and funding for the East Midlands.

Mayor Claire attended a high-level roundtable for UK Mayors as the government announced it was setting up a council for regions and nations to support a drive to loosen Westminster’s “tight grip” over big cities and regions.

The Prime Minister said: “I’m a great believer in the idea that those with skin in the game – those that know their communities – make much better decisions.”

The government has said it wants to give more power to the regions, recognising the part regions like the East Midlands have to play in delivering economic growth – a central pledge by the new government.

Mayor Claire said: “It’s the beginning of a new era for our villages, towns and cities. After years of languishing at the bottom of every funding league table, the East Midlands will finally get the investment it deserves. I wholeheartedly welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to giving our communities more of a say on some of the most important issues.

“I think it’s significant that the roundtable took place so early in the government’s first week in charge. Both the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister understand that mayors are uniquely placed to make the best decisions for the places we serve and know that we can lead the drive for growth across the country.

“It was, of course, a thrill to be in Downing Street and make the case for our great region. There are many challenges ahead, but I’m confident we’ll have great support from the government to make our region the best place to live, to work and to learn.”

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