A report by the Labour thinktank Labour Together suggests granting new powers to elected mayors in the UK, coinciding with an upcoming devolution paper.

These powers would allow mayors to pilot public sector schemes, manage local budgets, and commission services locally.

If implemented, it would enhance the control and influence of Labour mayors such as Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham across crucial sectors like health and welfare.

The report, written by former adviser Sam Freedman, critiques the centralization in Britain and argues that empowering mayors could lead to more effective local governance.

Freedman's recommendations include allowing mayors to chair health commissioning boards and granting them funding autonomy.

Keir Starmer has prioritized devolution, with the forthcoming white paper expected to emphasize growth through regional leadership.

Starmer will convene a council of regional leaders to discuss these changes, with the insights from Labour Together's report playing a role in shaping future decisions.