Midlands Connect will move to a new mayoral and leader-led governance model from April 2027, placing regional political leaders at the heart of strategic transport planning and investment advocacy across the Midlands.
The move follows an independent review and reflects the changing political landscape driven by devolution and local government reorganisation. Under the new structure, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker will serve as Chair, while East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward will take on the role of Vice-Chair.
For more than a decade, Midlands Connect has worked alongside local authorities, business leaders and transport partners to develop the strategic transport schemes needed to support economic growth across the region. The partnership has previously been sponsored by the Department for Transport (DfT).
The revised governance model is intended to strengthen collaboration between elected mayors and local authority leaders, creating a united voice to Government and national stakeholders on transport investment priorities. Midlands Connect will continue to play a central role in identifying and developing strategic transport projects, sharing technical expertise, supporting business cases for investment and addressing major cross-boundary transport challenges.
Mayors ‘Firmly in the Driving Seat’
Mayor Richard Parker, Chair of the Midlands Connect Strategic Board, said:
"Devolution is about taking greater responsibility for our own future, and that must include having a strong combined voice on the transport infrastructure and investment decisions that will shape the Midlands for decades to come.
"Mayors and local leaders will be firmly in the driving seat. By working together, we’re securing investment, creating opportunities, and making regional collaboration deliver real results for our towns and cities."
Mayor Claire Ward, Vice-Chair of the Midlands Connect Strategic Board, added:
"Devolution gives us a real opportunity to shape our future rather than simply respond to decisions made elsewhere. But we will have the greatest influence when we speak with a clear and shared ambition for the Midlands.
"This next chapter provides an important platform for Mayors and leaders to come together around our shared strategic transport goals”
….., using our collective influence to ensure the Midlands’ priorities are understood nationally and shape the decisions that will support jobs, growth and opportunity across the region."
Building on a Decade of Regional Collaboration
The transition to the new structure is already underway, with mayors and council leaders helping to shape future priorities and collaboration arrangements ahead of the formal changeover in April 2027.
According to Midlands Connect, the new approach will build on more than ten years of successful partnership working while giving elected regional leaders greater ownership of the Midlands' transport priorities and investment agenda.
Maria Machancoses, Chief Executive of Midlands Connect, said:
"This is a significant moment for Midlands Connect. For more than a decade, our Mayors, leaders and partners have built a stronger voice for the Midlands and a credible case for investment. This next chapter builds on that foundation, with Mayors and Leaders at the centre.
"I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together and deeply grateful to all our mayors, leaders and business partners for their continued commitment, support and belief in the value of Midlands Connect."
Partnership Membership
The partnership currently includes:
- West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
- East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA)
- Leicestershire County Council
- Telford & Wrekin Council
- Stoke-on-Trent City Council
- Leicester City Council
- Rutland County Council
- Worcestershire County Council
- Warwickshire County Council
- Staffordshire County Council
- Shropshire Council
- Herefordshire Council
A formal launch of the new Midlands Connect structure is expected in the new year, marking the start of a new era of mayor-led collaboration on transport investment, rail connectivity and infrastructure development across the Midlands.
Image credits: Midlands Connect & iStock
