Yorkshire MP Calls for Own Parliament Amid Devolution Debate

A Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament has urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to expand devolution plans and establish a dedicated parliament for Yorkshire. Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon stated that concentrating power in the hands of elected mayors dilutes regional representation and that a Yorkshire parliament would be a more suitable model.

Burnham has recently proposed granting elected mayors enhanced authority over areas such as planning and waste management, alongside a share of income tax and business rates. However, Gordon expressed concern that this approach, which divides Yorkshire into four distinct mayoralties, could exacerbate regional divisions. He believes a unified Yorkshire parliament would be more beneficial.

Yorkshire currently has three Labour mayors: Oliver Coppard for South Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin for West Yorkshire, and David Skaith for York and North Yorkshire. Additionally, Luke Campbell of Reform UK serves as the mayor for Hull and East Yorkshire. Gordon argued that Yorkshire's population exceeds that of Scotland and its economy is larger than Wales, justifying the need for its own legislative body to encompass a broader range of viewpoints.

Gordon also commented on recent local government reorganizations in North Yorkshire, suggesting that the creation of a new upper-tier council and a town council below it has resulted in more administrative layers without adequately devolving power to the populace. He advocated for a system where all voices are heard rather than consolidating authority with a few individuals.

"I think we owe it to have everyone have a seat at that table, not just all that power put in one person's hands," Gordon said. He drew parallels to Scotland, Wales, and London, all of which have their own parliaments or assemblies, and proposed that Yorkshire should adopt a similar structure with broader elected representation.

The 'One Yorkshire' Proposal

The concept of a Yorkshire parliament has been previously championed by the Yorkshire Party, which has argued since 2014 for a more engaged and democratic society through such a body. During earlier devolution discussions, a proposal for a single mayor covering all of Yorkshire, known as the "One Yorkshire" plan, gained support from 18 of the region's 20 local councils. Sheffield and Rotherham, however, favored a separate South Yorkshire arrangement. This overarching proposal was ultimately rejected by the then Conservative Communities Secretary, James Brokenshire, who stated it did not meet the government's criteria.

In response to the current debate, David Skaith, Mayor for York and North Yorkshire, highlighted the collaborative efforts among Yorkshire's mayors. He stated that decisions are made in partnership with local authorities and pointed to the "White Rose Agreement," a pact between the mayors of South, West, and North Yorkshire, to foster closer cooperation on matters such as transportation. Skaith cited progress on Northern Powerhouse Rail as an example of collective mayoral action securing government support due to interconnected transport needs across the region.

Opposition to a Yorkshire Parliament

However, the idea of a Yorkshire parliament has also faced criticism. York Conservative councillor Chris Steward dismissed the concept as "costly nonsense," arguing that while Yorkshire is culturally significant, it does not function as a unified economic or political entity. He contended that the region's population does not desire additional politicians and the associated expenses. Reform UK has been approached for comment on the matter.