Mike Starkie Urges Andy Burnham to Grant Cumbria Full Devolution

Conservative mayoral candidate Mike Starkie called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to grant Cumbria greater powers and resources as part of a national devolution agenda. The request follows Burnham's first speech at 10 Downing Street on Monday, in which he pledged to return self-governance to local communities.

Starkie, who is running for Mayor of Cumbria in 2027 to lead the new Cumbria Combined Authority, urged the Prime Minister to extend the same freedoms to Cumbria that Burnham pursued during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester. He requested a clear timetable for the transfer of funding and local control over skills, infrastructure, and economic development.

Regarding his own platform, Starkie pledged that if elected, he would oppose the absorption of Cumbria Police into a regional force. He further stated that he would not introduce a mayoral precept or a tourist tax.