COUNCIL leaders across Devon have joined forces to call for the creation of a South West Peninsula Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA), representing 1.2-million residents and an economy worth over £25-billion a year.

The leaders of Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, Torbay Council and district councils across Devon have written jointly to Government ministers to further develop enhanced powers and funding for the whole county of Devon through a comprehensive devolution agreement.

The proposed South West Peninsula Mayoral Strategic Authority would replace the existing Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority and create what the leaders describe as an "economic powerhouse" capable of accelerating the Government's growth mission.

Councillor Julian Brazil, leader of Devon County Council said: "This is about giving our communities the tools they need to thrive. A mayoral strategic authority would unlock our region's exceptional potential in environmental intelligence, marine innovation and clean energy. We have world-class research institutions and innovative business clusters that, working together under local leadership, can position the UK as a global leader in these critical sectors."

Councillor David Thomas, leader of Torbay Council said: "The £2-billion tourism economy and the 33,000 jobs it supports across Devon and Torbay show what we can achieve when we work together strategically. A coordinated approach under a mayoral strategic authority would enable us to leverage all our tourism assets more effectively whilst addressing the housing pressures our coastal communities face. This is about creating an integrated approach that benefits all our residents and businesses"

Councillor Mandy Ewings, chair of the Devon Districts Forum said: "This devolution proposal recognises that we need strategic coordination whilst preserving the local connection that makes our communities special. The mayoral strategic authority would enable us to tackle challenges like housing affordability and transport connectivity that cross traditional boundaries, whilst ensuring decisions remain rooted in our local democratic traditions."