Midlands Connect will move to a new mayoral and
leader-led model from April 2027, giving the region greater
collective ownership of its strategic transport agenda.
For more than a decade, Midlands Connect has brought together
mayors, leaders and partners from across the Midlands to develop
and champion the transport connections needed to support regional
growth. This was sponsored by the Department for Transport (DfT).
As devolution and Local Government Reorganisation reshape the
political landscape, Midlands Connect is evolving alongside that
agenda. Following an independent review, West Midlands Mayor,
will become Chair of
Midlands Connect, and East Midlands Mayor, will become
Vice-Chair.
The new model will see Midlands Connect focused on strengthening
that collaboration to provide a strong collective voice to
Government and national partners, identifying and developing
strategic transport priorities, sharing technical expertise,
supporting investment and tackling major cross-boundary
challenges.
Mayor , Chair of the Midlands
Connect Strategic Board, said:
"Devolution is about taking greater responsibility for our own
future, and that must include having a strong combined voice on
the transport infrastructure and investment decisions that will
shape the Midlands for decades to come.
"Mayors and local leaders will be firmly in the driving seat. By
working together, we're securing investment, creating
opportunities, and making regional collaboration deliver real
results for our towns and cities."
Mayor , Vice-Chair of the Midlands
Connect Strategic Board, said:
"Devolution gives us a real opportunity to shape our future
rather than simply respond to decisions made elsewhere. But we
will have the greatest influence when we speak with a clear and
shared ambition for the Midlands.
"This next chapter provides an important platform for Mayors and
leaders to come together around our shared strategic transport
goals, using our collective influence to ensure the
Midlands' priorities are understood nationally and shape the
decisions that will support jobs, growth and opportunity across
the region."
Maria Machancoses, Chief Executive of Midlands Connect, said:
"This is a significant moment for Midlands Connect. For more than
a decade, our Mayors, leaders and partners have built a stronger
voice for the Midlands and a credible case for investment. This
next chapter builds on that foundation, with Mayors and Leaders
at the centre.
"I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together and
deeply grateful to all our mayors, leaders and business partners
for their continued commitment, support and belief in the value
of Midlands Connect."
The transition is already underway, with mayors and leaders
shaping the future priorities and new collaboration arrangements
ahead of the new model coming into operation in April 2027. The
partnership comprises WMCA, EMCCA, Leicestershire County
Council, Telford & Wrekin Council, Stoke-on-Trent
City Council, Leicester City Council, Rutland County
Council, Worcestershire County Council, Warwickshire
County Council, Staffordshire County Council, Shropshire
Council and Herefordshire Council.
The next chapter will build on more than a decade of
collaboration, with mayors and leaders taking greater ownership
of the Midlands' collective transport priorities and its case for
investment. A formal launch of the new Midlands Connect will take
place in the new year.
