Coalition of councils launch bid for countywide devolution deal on Yorkshire Day

Bradford Council, along with 16 other Councils, have united behind the coalition, which would give Yorkshire more control over its own affairs.

The other Councils involved are Barnsley, Calderdale, Craven, Doncaster, East Riding of Yorkshire, Hambleton, Harrogate, Hull, Kirklees, Leeds, North Yorkshire, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Scarborough, Selby and York.

However, Sheffield and Rotherham Councils are not part of the coalition.

In a joint-statement, the Councils said: "Today is Yorkshire Day and therefore it seems right to talk today about our county, its ambitions and our identity.

"Last Friday, Yorkshire leaders met in York in a positive and constructive meeting and agreed that they have strong common cause.

"The county is big enough and bold enough to want to carve out its own destiny.

"Leaders were focused on increasing productivity and growing an inclusive economy that works for all.

"The leaders agreed unanimously to form a 'coalition of the willing', working towards securing a single ambitious devolution deal for the Yorkshire authorities and areas wanting to work together on this basis.

"This would in the first instance be based on the government's present requirements of a directly elected mayor with clear responsibilities yet to be determined.

"All leaders present, including Barnsley and Doncaster, supported this approach as well as supporting a deal for Sheffield and Rotherham, should they seek to pursue that as an option.

"Over the coming weeks, the leaders committed to exploring these proposals with colleagues, local stakeholders including MPs, business, unions and political groups.

"Leaders plan to meet again in early September to decide how best to take this negotiation forward with Government at pace and with local backing.

"It is a happy Yorkshire Day across the whole of this great and historic county - a county with the potential for as great a future as a past."