Northamptonshire MPs urge Government not to leave county out of major South Midlands devolution deal

Northamptonshire MPs have urged the Government not to exclude the county from a proposed devolution deal which could shape major decisions on transport, investment and economic growth across the South Midlands.

South Northamptonshire MP Sarah Bool and Daventry MP Stuart Andrew have joined two Bedfordshire Conservative MPs in calling for a six-authority South Midlands Strategic Mayoral Authority, rather than the smaller arrangement currently proposed.

Their intervention comes ahead of an extraordinary meeting of Milton Keynes City Council on Wednesday, October 21, when councillors will debate supporting a wider devolution deal incorporating both North and West Northamptonshire.

The existing Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) proposal would exclude Northamptonshire altogether.

In a letter to the Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, the four MPs argue that leaving the county out would undermine the region's economic potential and exclude major employers from important strategic decisions.

They highlight Northamptonshire businesses including Mercedes-AMG F1, Aston Martin F1, Cosworth, Weetabix, Travis Perkins and Dr. Martens, alongside the internationally significant Silverstone motorsport cluster.

The MPs also point to the Government's own population benchmark of 1.5 million people for mayoral strategic authorities.

While the proposed BLMK arrangement would cover fewer than one million residents, incorporating Northamptonshire would increase the population to approximately 1.7 million.

The six authorities collectively represent more than 80,000 businesses and contribute over £50 billion annually to the UK economy.

The letter, also signed by Mid Bedfordshire MP Blake Stephenson and North Bedfordshire MP Richard Fuller, argues that Northamptonshire's established economic and transport connections make its inclusion essential.

These include the M1, A14 and A43, alongside the West Coast Main Line and East West Rail.

All six authorities already collaborate through the South Midlands Business Board on economic development, employment and business support.

The MPs acknowledge differing opinions on devolution but insist any new authority should reflect existing economic relationships rather than administrative boundaries.

They warn that excluding Northamptonshire could create artificial divisions across an interconnected regional economy.

Their letter states: "The decisions taken in the coming months will shape the future of our region for decades."

They are urging ministers to reconsider the current proposals and give urgent consideration to an authority comprising Milton Keynes, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton, North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire.

Milton Keynes councillors will consider the proposal at Wednesday's meeting.