A Liberal Democrat lawmaker has suggested that current regional decentralization efforts do not go far enough, proposing instead that the historic county should establish its own legislative parliament.
Tom Gordon, who represents Harrogate and Knaresborough, argued that centralizing authority within a handful of mayoral offices creates unnecessary fragmentation across the region. His remarks come as national leaders pursue decentralized governance models that grant regional leaders greater control over local taxation, commercial levies, and environmental enforcement.
At present, Yorkshire is divided among four distinct mayoral administrations. Labour currently holds three of these positions, with Oliver Coppard leading South Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin overseeing West Yorkshire, and David Skaith managing York and North Yorkshire. Reform UK holds the remaining post, with Luke Campbell representing Hull and East Yorkshire.
Mr. Gordon contended that dividing authority among separate mayoralties exacerbates geographic and political fractures rather than healing them. Drawing comparisons to other parts of the United Kingdom, he noted that population and economic metrics in the region exceed those of Wales and rival Scotland, both of which operate under devolved legislative bodies. A regional parliament, he suggested, would ensure a wider spectrum of viewpoints is represented rather than concentrating significant executive authority into the hands of individual leaders.
The lawmaker also criticized recent administrative restructuring, pointing out that local government reforms have ultimately increased the number of bureaucratic layers without empowering grassroots communities. Residents now navigate multiple levels of local administration alongside regional mayoral offices, a structure he believes removes decision-making further from everyday citizens.
The concept of a unified regional assembly is not entirely new. The Yorkshire Party has long campaigned for a regional parliament to foster a more participatory democratic culture. Years ago, a collective proposal supported by an overwhelming majority of local authorities sought a single regional authority for the entire county. That initiative ultimately stalled after national authorities rejected the framework, prompting the creation of the current multi-county agreements.
In response to the proposal, regional leaders defended the existing structure of combined authorities. David Skaith emphasized that mayoral decision-making does not occur in isolation, noting that regional chiefs collaborate closely with local councils and partner authorities. He highlighted cooperative frameworks such as the White Rose Agreement, which facilitates joint regional planning on critical infrastructure priorities like transportation and the proposed Northern Powerhouse Rail project.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.
