WARRINGTON is set to team up with Cheshire in a devolution deal .

The council’s executive board unanimously approved plans for a partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cheshire East Council.

Helen Jones MP and some councillors had favoured plans to team up with Liverpool City Region rather than Cheshire.

Approval paves the way for a formal public consultation to be launched in the summer, when residents can have their say on the deal. The final decision will be made by councillors on July 24.

If the town does team up with Cheshire, a mayor will be elected to chair the combined authority.

It would also enable the new authority to get extra powers from central government and allow the councils to make joint decisions on growth and public services.

Terry O’Neill said: “Devolution is the next step in controlling our destiny in this town. It’s the best deal we can get on the table for Warrington residents.

“Devolution would support Warrington’s ‘New City’ programme, fuelling investment and growth in the borough.

“As public finances become increasingly challenging, having local decision-making powers over significant areas of national government spend on local services, would be hugely beneficial for Warrington. It would also leave us well placed to play a key role in the proposed Northern Powerhouse.

“Warrington is a growing and vibrant borough and it’s vital that we do everything in our power to maximise this potential.”

If the plans go ahead, a regional mayor would be elected in May 2018. A mayor is seen as a vital part of the devolution plans by central government .

But a council spokesman said decision-making powers would not be removed from Warrington Council.