Thomas Dray

Work in Public Affairs | Interested in Devolution, Parliaments, the Constitution, and politics in general. Usual disclaimers apply

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

Somewhat ironic the King's Printer version of the English Devolution Act is published on the same day the Devolution Minister resigns

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

The English Devolution Act must be cursed for Devolution Ministers.
Jim McMahon left the role 4 days after the Act had its second reading in the post- Rayner reshuffle, and now Miatta Fahnbulleh resigns less than two weeks after it receives Royal Assent

[Miatta Fahnbulleh @Miatsf]

This morning I sent my letter of resignation to the Prime Minister.

I urge the Prime Minister to do the right thing for the country and the Party and set a timetable for an orderly transition.

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

If the Bill receives its second reading, it will be committed to a Public Bill committee. The programme motion allows the bill committee to sit until 11th November.

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

MPs debate the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill for the first time today.

The bill’s provisions include a statutory devolution framework with new powers for Strategic Authorities, streamlined Local Govt, SV for elections and community right to buy

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

The Conservatives (who currently have two Strategic Authority Mayors) say the bill reduces democratic representation of communities, will reduce focus on housing delivery, increases taxes and bureaucracy

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

Big day for English Devolution as the ‘English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, is presented to Parliament today.

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

Interesting to see the variety of interim responses to LGR from Councils. Some have set out their preferred options, others have simply acknowledged the need to work on a LGR proposal.

Given demands placed on councils, it’s not surprising many don’t have capacity to work on LGR.

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

Great to visit the @instituteforgov for the first time for their event discussing government support for MCAs in delivering economic growth

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

Interesting session for English Devolution watchers 👇

[Housing, Communities & Local Government Committee @CommonsHCLG]

We're holding an evidence session to examine the Government's plans for the reorganisation of local government in EnglandWe're holding an evidence session to examine the Government's plans for the reorganisation of local government in EnglandWe're holding an evidence session to examine the Government's plans for the reorganisation of local government in EnglandWe're holding an evidence session to examine the Government's plans for the reorganisation of local government in England.

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

Interesting nugget toward the end of the Devolution White Paper, perhaps a step toward a Cabinet system for Combined/ Mayoral Strategic Authorities?

[Jack Shaw @JackTShaw]

The Office for Local Government will close:

[Millie Mitchell @MiIIieMitchell]

The government have just published the English Devolution White Paper. Lots of 'oos' and 'ah's in the room from the @instituteforgov devo team. Stay tuned for incoming analysis

Read the white paper here: ​​
https://t.co/rjx2nWIUKp

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

And finally, this morning shortly before the government press release, LGC reveals that all two-tier areas will be invited to set out their own reorganisation proposals in line with government guidance https://t.co/0fUl1aFQno

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

Looks like today is the day, happy English Devolution White paper day to all those celebrating. Just like Christmas, there was a mini-advent calendar of pre-announcements (via leaks to the press) over the weekend...

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

The Observer revealed that Mayors would receive control over local rail services to allow them to develop 'integrated travel networks' like those in London and Liverpool https://t.co/bczOG3KUWE

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

https://t.co/HTKgfQAGfC

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

Confirmation in today’s Politico Playbook that the long-awaited Devolution White Paper will be launched on Monday

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

In response to a written question, Jim McMahon says the Devolution White Paper will be published ‘shortly’. Language used up to now has been ‘in the coming weeks’.

Will we see the long awaited white paper in the last sitting week before Christmas?

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

https://t.co/13M910lU2A

[Thomas Dray @DrayThomas01]

In response to a written question, Jim McMahon says the Devolution White Paper will be published ‘shortly’. Language used up to now has been ‘in the coming weeks’.

Will we see the long awaited white paper in the last sitting week before Christmas?