First mayoral election deferred to May 2027
PA MediaA proposed mayoral election has been delayed to 2027 in a bid to save money.
Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness councils wrote to the government earlier this month to request deferring the proposed 2026 mayoral election in Cumbria to the following year.
The authorities said at the time holding the election would cost about £1m, but holding it in conjunction with the already planned local elections in 2027 would "save significant resources".
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) confirmed that the request had now been granted.
It said the next steps were to work with the councils to establish the Cumbria Mayoral Combined Authority (CMCA).
If granted consent by the local authorities, secondary legislation would be laid in Parliament, it said.
Following approval by Parliament, the CMCA would be established in early 2026, followed by the first mayoral election in the region in May 2027.
In a letter to the government the two local authorities previously wrote: "This request is made in the spirit of constructive partnership and with a shared ambition to ensure the strongest possible foundations for a successful new governance model that delivers for the people of Cumbria."