North Somerset could soon become part of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and find itself governed by a mayor its residents did not vote for. Although the council initially declined to join WECA when it was formed in 2017, renewed government encouragement has prompted North Somerset to reconsider membership. However, joining WECA would not prompt an early mayoral election, meaning the existing mayor would continue to serve, potentially without a direct mandate from North Somerset voters.
Helen Godwin, the incumbent Labour metro mayor, was elected in 2024, with the next scheduled election set for 2029. At a WECA audit committee meeting on December 8, the head of policy clarified that admitting North Somerset to the combined authority would not necessitate bringing the next mayoral election forward.
In September, North Somerset Council voted in favor of exploring and consulting on joining WECA. Official reports highlight uncertainty over whether membership would take immediate effect or only commence after the 2029 mayoral election. However, sources indicate it is likely North Somerset would become a member before 2029 while Mayor Godwin continues in office.
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The process to join WECA is expected to take about a year, involving an eight-week public consultation, approval from current WECA members, another council vote in North Somerset, and ultimately Parliamentary consent.
Had North Somerset been part of WECA prior to the May 2024 election, the mayoral outcome might have differed. Godwin narrowly secured the position with 25% of votes, closely followed by Reform’s Arron Banks at 22%, and the Green Party’s Mary Page at 20%.
WECA currently includes Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset, which raises concerns among North Somerset residents about reconstituting the former County of Avon. Similar discussions about joining combined authorities have also emerged in Gloucestershire.
Despite not being a member, North Somerset Council has collaborated with WECA on initiatives like the bus service improvement plan and the Portishead Railway restoration. Recently, North Somerset representatives have attended WECA committee meetings as observers, signaling closer cooperation ahead of potential membership.