A North Somerset councillor has raised concerns about the democratic integrity of the area joining the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), warning that residents may end up governed by a mayor they never elected.
North Somerset Council is poised to become a WECA member, potentially by the end of the year. This development promises increased government funding and enhanced regional collaboration. However, Caritas Charles, an independent councillor for Portishead East, argues this step risks sidelining local democratic choice.
Labour’s Helen Godwin, WECA’s current mayor, was elected less than a year ago, with her next election not due until 2029. There are no plans to hold an early election aligned with North Somerset’s potential membership. Charles points out, “There are certain powers that are going to be given to a mayor that not one person in North Somerset voted for.”
While North Somerset Council’s leader will gain a vote on WECA decisions as part of the committee, Charles advocates that any mayoral decisions affecting North Somerset should be subject to approval by the council’s cabinet. He emphasizes, “The voters of North Somerset voted in this administration and this council. They didn’t vote for Helen Godwin, as nice as she is. It is the democratic principle that must be protected, and that is what alarms me.”
Known for championing direct democracy and greater public involvement, Charles plans to present a motion at the full council meeting on April 21 to support this position. Although he acknowledges it may not pass, he aims to raise public awareness. He will also propose a second motion urging WECA to establish a citizens’ assembly for major regional strategies and co-design panels to influence policy decisions. “I’m not a fan of mayors,” he says, “because I think it’s generally very dangerous to give a lot of power to one person.”
A recent public consultation on joining WECA ended on April 10, revealing local residents are “either vehemently opposed or utterly confused,” according to Charles.
In response, Mayor Godwin has stated, “The electoral cycle is what it is and there’s not an election until 2029. But the benefits for residents can come much sooner than that, so it’s important we do this at pace.”
The government has pledged £15 million to WECA for short-term projects contingent on North Somerset’s membership, with future funding reflecting the authority’s expanded reach. North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell emphasizes, “Whether people like it or not, mayoral strategic authorities are the only game in town in terms of driving growth and ambitious plans.”
The move has sparked controversy given its overlap with the former Avon County boundary—a Bristol-centred county abolished in 1996 due to unpopularity. Bell insists, “Mayoral strategic authorities are not county councils. We are not going back to Avon County Council.”
North Somerset Council voted in favor of joining WECA last September, followed by WECA committee approval in February. The final step involves government ministers’ consideration, secretary of state approval, and parliamentary legislation—expected by late 2026 or early 2027.