CENTRAL Government is 'looking forward' to discussing ambitious devolution plans for Warrington as attentions turn to thrashing out a deal with an elected mayor.

Council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill has previously dismissed the prospect of an elected mayor and claimed it would not 'suit' Cheshire and Warrington.

But last week he announced the authority is 'now in agreement' that a devolution deal with one is the 'most appropriate' for the town.

There is still uncertainty over whether the town will aim to join up with Cheshire or the Liverpool City Region.

The town's Labour group rejected the Government's devolution proposals in June, in a deal which would have seen Warrington combine with the Cheshire authorities.

But the Department for Communities and Local Government has welcomed the latest announcement from Cllr O'Neill (LAB – Burtonwood and Winwick).

A spokesman said: "The Government welcomes the comments of the leader of Warrington Borough Council and looks forward to discussing locally driven devolution ambitions in the future.

"We are committed to devolving power and funding away from Whitehall to help build an economy that works for everyone and ensure that local people have a strong voice on issues which affect their daily lives."

Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Bob Barr said he is 'pleased' the Labour group has 'stepped back' from rejecting a deal with an elected mayor – but he also highlighted his concerns.

He added: "The way in which the Labour administration is dealing with the devolution issue is unsatisfactory.

"We know that the group is deeply divided over what is best for Warrington and appear to be driven by political considerations rather than the deal that benefits the whole of Warrington the most.

"These matters should be discussed in public by the whole council and not stitched up by different factions of the Labour group behind closed doors, which is what is happening.

"We are fortunate that senior officers of the council are negotiating positively with the senior civil servants and ministers dealing with devolution in London but there is a danger that they will negotiate the best deal for Warrington and it will be overturned by Labour councillors in private in favour one that ends up with Warrington losing out."

Warrington South MP David Mowat said he is 'delighted' that Labour members have recognised devolution is 'massively in the best interests' of the town.