Northamptonshire has been left out of the Government's preferred devolution plans for the South Midlands, prompting disappointment from the leader of West Northamptonshire Council.

The Government has confirmed it will not pursue proposals for a six-council South Midlands Strategic Authority, instead supporting an arrangement covering Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

Local government minister Jim McMahon acknowledged the preference of Northamptonshire's two unitary authorities for a wider agreement but said he was "not minded to further explore this option".

The decision follows calls for West and North Northamptonshire to be included in a strategic authority alongside Milton Keynes, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton.

placeholder image — Councillor Mark Arnull

Analysis by the South Midlands Business Board suggested the six-council arrangement would cover almost 1.9 million residents and generate more than £60.5 billion in annual economic output.

It also estimated the proposed authority could support more than £40 million annually in investment funding, potentially reaching £1.2 billion over 30 years.

Supporters argued this could help secure improvements to transport, infrastructure, employment opportunities and economic growth across the region.

Following the announcement, West Northamptonshire Council leader Councillor Mark Arnull addressed an extraordinary meeting of Milton Keynes City Council.

He questioned why Northamptonshire was being excluded despite the economic connections between the neighbouring areas.

Councillor Arnull said: "If devolution is about economic reality and not administrative convenience, why are West Northants and North Northants Councils not part of the conversation?"

He highlighted shared transport routes, employment markets and investment opportunities linking Northamptonshire with Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire.

However, councillors in Milton Keynes rejected a motion supporting further exploration of the wider South Midlands model by 35 votes to 18, with one abstention.

Speaking afterwards, Councillor Arnull said: "While we are disappointed by the Government's decision not to pursue a South Midlands Strategic Authority, we remain convinced that it represents the strongest and most economically coherent option for our area.

"The evidence presented by the South Midlands Business Board demonstrates the scale, strength and potential of the South Midlands economy."

He also questioned how the Government had assessed local support for the competing proposals.

Councillor Arnull said both Northamptonshire authorities and regional business leaders supported the wider arrangement.

He added the council would continue working with the Government and neighbouring authorities to secure the best possible devolution settlement for residents, businesses and communities.