Andy Burnham is advocating for a fresh approach as Claire Ward presses ahead with her campaign to reverse the decision to abandon essential road improvement work in Nottinghamshire.
The ambitious A46 Newark Bypass scheme, worth millions, was put on hold during the closing weeks of Keir Starmer’s administration to help cover a £15 billion rise in defence expenditure.
According to business figures and elected officials, the cancellation demonstrates how the East Midlands has consistently been overlooked, with improvements to the A38 around Derby also abandoned.
Labour’s regional mayor for the East Midlands, Claire Ward, received only a moment’s notice before the announcement was made public, and she has labelled the government’s communication as inadequate.
The mayor, who previously collaborated with Andy Burnham during his tenure as Greater Manchester’s mayor, has noted that the nation now has a leader who recognises the value of engaging with local government officials.
Since Mr Burnham entered Downing Street, Ms Ward has held at least two meetings with him. In her statement to the Nottingham Post, she explained that she had emphasised to the former Prime Minister how stripping the region’s funding for the A46 Newark Bypass and A38 Derby Junctions represented a major blow.
She is currently coordinating with political figures throughout the area, uniting MPs, council leaders, elected mayors, councillors and local representatives to present a unified front to ministers. The aim is to guarantee that the East Midlands receives the equitable treatment it is entitled to, reflecting the substantial goals set for the region.
She pointed out that the new Prime Minister comprehends the significance of regional mayors and has already demonstrated dedication to expanding local autonomy, strengthening sub-national leadership and fostering improved cooperation between central and regional authorities.
Ms Ward added that she anticipated presenting this argument directly to government ministers and collaborating to obtain the investment required to progress these crucial schemes and underpin future expansion.
Their discussions took place at a National Economic Council gathering held at 10 Downing Street and during Mr Burnham’s trip to the Alstom facility in Derby.
For some time, advocates have maintained that the proposed improvements to the A46 Newark Bypass, which would involve modernising major roundabouts along the heavily trafficked stretch, are essential for road safety and economic prosperity.
The head of the East Midlands Chamber previously stated an appeal to the incoming Prime Minister and political decision-makers to acknowledge the significance of this arterial route and restore the enhancement works.