Having played a pivotal role in the formation of the West Midlands Combined Authority, Mark will take the lead in ensuring the region is well-placed to establish the East Midlands Combined County Authority, which is due to come into existence next year and is subject to Royal Assent for a new Act of Parliament.
Local councils, including Derbyshire County Council, would all continue to exist as part of the regional devolution plans and would still be responsible for most public services in the area. The mayor and combined authority would instead focus on wider issues like transport, regeneration, and employment across the cities and counties.
We will continue to keep you up to date as plans for devolution progress.