Midlands Connect enters new chapter

Midlands Connect will move to a new mayoral and leader-led model from April 2027, giving the region greater collective ownership of its strategic transport agenda.

For more than a decade, Midlands Connect has brought together mayors, leaders and partners from across the Midlands to develop and champion the transport connections needed to support regional growth. This was sponsored by the Department for Transport (DfT). 

As devolution and Local Government Reorganisation reshape the political landscape, Midlands Connect is evolving alongside that agenda. Following an independent review, West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker will become Chair of Midlands Connect, and East Midlands Mayor, Claire Ward will become Vice-Chair.  

The new model will see Midlands Connect focused on strengthening that collaboration to provide a strong collective voice to Government and national partners, identifying and developing strategic transport priorities, sharing technical expertise, supporting investment and tackling major cross-boundary challenges.

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, said:

"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."

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."

The transition is already underway, with mayors and leaders shaping the future priorities and new collaboration arrangements ahead of the new model coming into operation in April 2027. The partnership comprises WMCA, 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 and Herefordshire Council. 

The next chapter will build on more than a decade of collaboration, with mayors and leaders taking greater ownership of the Midlands’ collective transport priorities and its case for investment. A formal launch of the new Midlands Connect will take place in the new year.