WEAVER Vale MP Mike Amesbury is leading the charge in bringing decision making away from Westminster back to the north.

The Labour MP, whose constituency covers east Runcorn, made clear his stance after recent proposals by the party leader Kier Starmer.

He said that a future Labour government would give more powers to local communities. 

Mr Amesbury believes Cheshire and Warrington are falling behind Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region.

He says the combined authorities are already using their devolved powers to drive investment, working together on transport, housing, skills training, the economy and the environment.

The MP added that Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East and Warrington councils are on board as he highlights political support for devolution to be extended.

He said: “I would like to see Cheshire and Warrington get ahead of the game by agreeing a deal with the current Government as recently achieved in Cornwall and the North East.

“I continue to press ministers to make progress on that goal given the strength of local political will.

“It is my belief this area would thrive within an arrangement that is more about ‘our street’ than Downing Street.”

The MP believes that elected representatives from the local area would be better at setting priorities rather than Whitehall civil servants.