Cumbrian MPs have been responding to the announcement made in the House of Commons that the county will be included for devolution.

Making the announcement the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said: “The truth is that for all the promises of levelling up, central government’s first instinct is all too often to hoard power and hold our economy back.

“Too many decisions affecting too many people are made by too few.

“We promised to achieve a devolution revolution by overseeing the greatest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation, and today’s announcement will help raise living standards, improve public services and build the homes we so desperately need.

“By taking a common-sense approach to reorganisation, boosted by our reforms to give mayors a suite of vital new powers, we will make sure areas can truly deliver on our Plan for Change.”

Responding in the House of Commons to the statement from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Julie Minns MP said: “Speaking as the MP for England’s most northerly city and one of five MPs representing the most northern area selected, I warmly welcome today’s announcement.

“The announcement is the first step in delivering the Labour government’s commitment to widen devolution and is one of the largest ever single packages of mayoral devolution in England. 

Ms Minns also went on to ask the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure the new Mayor would work fulltime for Cumbria, and called for a ban on Mayors having second jobs.

Commenting on the announcement after the announcement was made Julie Minns MP said: “Greater devolution is key to unlocking regional growth in Cumbria, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change and putting more money into working people’s pockets, while also empowering them to direct change in their communities.

“It will see Cumbria given sweeping new powers, putting our community on the fast-track to deliver growth, opportunities, transport and housing for local communities.

The Carlisle MP was not the only one who responded so positively with Barrow and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham saying: “Today’s announcement is a huge step forward in our journey towards devolution in Cumbria.

“No one knows what Cumbria needs better than the people who live here, and these additional powers and the funding that comes with them will put our future in our own hands.

“Mayors have a proven track record of delivering growth and higher living standards. A Mayoral Combined Authority is our best route to improving local bus and train services, upgrading roads like the A595 and A590, driving forward major regeneration projects, improving the health and wealth of our population, and expanding access to opportunity in every corner of Cumbria.

“The next step will be a public consultation which I hope to see started as soon as possible. I will share the details of the consultation when they are announced and I will continue to make the case for this historic opportunity for our county.”

While Workington and Whitehaven MP Josh MacAlister supported the plan saying: “A Mayor for Cumbria, with the right powers and resources, is our best route to improving local infrastructure, driving forward major regeneration projects, improving the health and wealth of our population and expanding access to opportunity in every corner of Cumbria.”