Dr Nik Johnson, the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, has welcomed the focus in the King's Speech on giving more powers to mayors.

At the State Opening of Parliament on July 17, King Charles III gave a speech on the new Labour government's agenda. In it, the King said that Labour believe in greater devolution of decision making.

This means taking power out of Westminster and putting it into regional and local governments.

The Labour Party are setting out an English Devolution Bill, which will allow metro mayors the chance to work closely with their regions to develop a local growth plan to bring economic benefits to communities.

Dr Johnson has welcomed this Bill. He said: "The King's Speech set a clear direction of travel, empowering metro mayors to help deliver the renewal our country needs for proper long-term, sustainable growth. 

"As a Combined Authority, we're ready to work with government and will seize every opportunity to drive a better, more prosperous future."

He described Labour's commitment to devolution as, "crucial for a better future" in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The English Devolution Bill would see a local growth plan for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, which would be developed in partnership with the Government, local councils and other partners.

Last week (Monday 8), Dr Johnson joined Mayors across the country for a roundtable at Number 10 to discuss a new partnership approach on devolution.

The King's Speech also saw a commitment to reforms of Combined Authority responsibilities, like transport and skills.

The Better Buses Bill is set to deliver new powers for local leaders to franchise local bus services.

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The Skills England Bill will seek to bring Mayoral Combined Authorities together with businesses, unions and the Government to boost the workforce.