ANGELA Rayner wants to create a “council of the north” for the first time in 500 years to hand more power to the region.
Ministers have spoken to regional mayors about creating an official body to move decision making out Westminster.
It could be handed powers and cash for things like transport, planning, trade and investment.
A Council of the North was first created in 1484 by King Richard III – whose remains were famously discovered in a car park in 2012.
It acted as the official arm of government but was abolished in 1641 just before the Civil War.
A source said: “The Government wants a proper formal structure they can start handing pan-regional powers to like transport, planning and energy.
“They are in talks about it becoming that. But it has to come from the mayors, it can’t be imposed on us.”
Another source said: “This would take power out of Westminster and hand it to the North.”
It is understood the mayors all want to work together – but how best to do it is up for debate.
They have already united under the banner of “Great North” to boost their brand globally.
But they have been pushing for “single settlements” to give them more freedom over how they spend money in their individual areas.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced funding pots for Greater Manchester and West Midlands next April, and four other mayoralties from 2026/27.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for a “Council of the North” with its own budget.
A white paper by Minister Jim McMahon is due to be published at the end of the month that will start setting out their plans.
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “The Deputy Prime Minister is fully committed to empowering Mayors and Combined Authorities, recognising the importance of devolved powers and funding across their own patches and this is the model of devolution we’re rolling out.”
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