Mayor of the East Midlands backs new chapter for Midlands Connect

The Mayor of the East Midlands has backed a new approach to championing transport connections across the region.

For more than a decade, Midlands Connect has brought together mayors, leaders and partners from across the Midlands to develop and champion the transport connections needed to support regional growth.

However, it is set to move to a new mayoral and leader-led model from April 2027 – giving the region greater collective ownership of its strategic transport agenda.

Mayor Claire, Midlands Connect Strategic Board vice-chair, said: “Devolution gives us a real opportunity to shape our future rather than simply respond to decisions made elsewhere. But we will have the greatest influence when we speak with a clear and shared ambition for the Midlands. 

“This next chapter provides an important platform for Mayors and leaders to come together around our shared strategic transport goals, using our collective influence to ensure the Midlands’ priorities are understood nationally and shape the decisions that will support jobs, growth and opportunity across the region.”

With devolution and Local Government Reorganisation reshaping the political landscape, Midlands Connect is evolving alongside that agenda. Following an independent review, Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, will become chair of Midlands Connect, with Mayor Claire named vice-chair.

The new model will see Midlands Connect focused on strengthening that collaboration to provide a strong collective voice to Government and national partners, identifying and developing strategic transport priorities, sharing technical expertise, supporting investment and tackling major cross-boundary challenges.

Mayor Richard said: “Devolution is about taking greater responsibility for our own future, and that must include having a strong combined voice on the transport infrastructure and investment decisions that will shape the Midlands for decades to come. 

“Mayors and local leaders will be firmly in the driving seat. By working together, we’re securing investment, creating opportunities, and making regional collaboration deliver real results for our towns and cities.”

Maria Machancoses, Midlands Connect chief executive, said: “This is a significant moment for Midlands Connect. For more than a decade, our Mayors, leaders and partners have built a stronger voice for the Midlands and a credible case for investment. This next chapter builds on that foundation, with Mayors and Leaders at the centre.

“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together and deeply grateful to all our mayors, leaders and business partners for their continued commitment, support and belief in the value of Midlands Connect.”

Midlands Connect transition

The transition is already under way, with mayors and leaders shaping the future priorities and new collaboration arrangements ahead of the new model coming into operation in April 2027.

Alongside the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and West Midlands Combined Authority, the partnership includes Leicestershire County, Telford & Wrekin, Stoke-on-Trent City, Leicester City, Rutland County, Worcestershire County, Warwickshire County, Staffordshire County, Shropshire and Herefordshire councils.

The next chapter will build on more than a decade of collaboration, with mayors and leaders taking greater ownership of the Midlands’ collective transport priorities and its case for investment. A formal launch of the new Midlands Connect will take place in the new year.