ANGELA Rayner wants to create a “northern council” for the first time in 500 years to hand more power to the region.

Ministers have spoken to regional mayors about creating a statutory body to drive decision-making at Westminster.

You could be given powers and cash for things like transport, planning, trade and investment.

The Council of the North was first created in 1484 by King Richard III – whose remains were discovered in a parking lot in 2012.

It acted as the official arm of the government, but was abolished in 1641, just before the civil war.

A source said: “The Government wants a proper formal structure to which it can start giving pan-regional powers over transport, planning and energy.

“They are in talks for this to become that. But it has to come from the mayors, they can’t impose it on us.”

Another source said: “This would take power away from Westminster and hand it to the North.”

It is understood that all mayors want to work together, but the best way to do so is up for debate.

They have already united under the motto of the “Great North” to promote their brand globally.

But they have been pushing for “one-off deals” that would give them more freedom over how to spend the money in their individual areas.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced funds for Greater Manchester and West Midlands next April, and four other mayoralties starting in 2026/27.

former prime minister Gordon Brown has asked for a “Northern Council” with its own budget.

A white paper from Minister Jim McMahon will be published at the end of the month that will begin to outline his plans.

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “The Deputy First Minister is fully committed to empowering mayors and combined authorities, recognizing the importance of devolution of powers and funding in their own territories and this is the devolution model. that we are implementing. outside.”

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