One of Cornwall's MPs says that Cornwall may need to have a directly elected mayor in order to secure all the benefits of a county deal being offered as part of the government's levelling up programme.

It was announced this morning that Cornwall is one of nine areas of the country which have been invited to agree a new devolution deal with the Government.

However the announcement indicated that the Government recognises strong local leaders such as Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and that this could be replicated elsewhere.

Steve Double, MP for St Austell and Newquay, said that it was "likely" that if Cornwall was to get all the powers it would like then it will need to have an elected mayor. But he said that any decision on that could be subject to a referendum.

"There is a question of a directly elected mayor and that is a question we will have to answer and whether we are willing to have an elected mayor.

"There are some requests in the county deal for control over planning for second homes and to raise additional revenue with more taxes, things that I think would be very good for Cornwall. I would suspect that some of those powers will be linked to a directly elected mayor.

"We will need to look at what powers we might get without an elected mayor and what we will if we do and make a decision."

When asked who would make that decision Mr Double said: "In other areas there have been referendums and I think that the council, MPs and Government need to debate and discuss the best way forward.

"If the proposal is that we should have a mayor, and it is looking very likely, then we should have a referendum."

The Conservative MP has also welcomed the announcement that Cornwall will be at the front of the queue for a new devolution deal.

"We are still awaiting more details when the actual White Paper is published. It is very welcome for Cornwall and it is an opportunity to work up a devolution package and bring more powers for Cornwall, that is something that many people have been calling for for some time now.

"The other really interesting thing is the confirmation that the Shared Prosperity Fund, which will be the replacement for EU funding, the administration will be devolved to Cornwall Council, there will be local administration of that funding going forward and that is something we have been asking for.

"There are lots more details to come. We were the first of any rural areas to have a mini devolution deal in 2015 and that has enabled us to do things like get £23million for buses in Cornwall because of the powers in that original package.

"This is another step forward and shows the Government recognises that Cornwall has needs and the unique challenges that we face."

Mr Double said that he and the other Cornish MPs would be working with Cornwall Council and the Government to shape the new devolution deal.

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