Thames Valley Councils Propose New Mayoral Strategic Authority

Council leaders from Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Swindon submitted a proposal on October 26 to establish a Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority. The plan would create a directly elected mayor to manage transport, housing, skills, and economic growth. If the central government approves the deal, the region could receive a £1.3 billion investment fund over 30 years and £400 million for transport over four years.

Susan Brown, leader of Oxford City Council, and other leaders from Oxfordshire and Berkshire backed the submission, though the process faced internal friction. Some Liberal Democrat leaders previously withdrew support over the inclusion of Swindon and the timing of the mayoralty. While Chancellor John Healey confirmed the Thames Valley is one of ten regions progressing toward such an authority, Buckinghamshire remains separate from the current proposal.

South Oxfordshire District Council leader Maggie Filipova-Rivers criticized the government for providing only two working days to review proposals that could reshape public service boundaries. She warned that excluding Buckinghamshire could disrupt healthcare and policing partnerships. Despite these concerns, South Oxfordshire District Council agreed to proceed to the next phase of discussions to ensure public engagement. Public consultation is expected in January 2027, with a potential first mayoral election in May 2028.