Cheshire East Council has narrowly backed plans for a devolution deal with supporters saying it will bring investment and create jobs while objectors claim it is just another layer of bureaucracy.

The council voted by 36 to 32 in favour of plans to create a new Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority (CA) in 2026.

A new mayor would be elected by the public in 2027.

Cheshire East's deputy leader Michael Gorman (Wilmslow, Ind) told an extraordinary meeting of the full council on Wednesday (September 17): "Across England, we've seen how devolution can transform regions.

"For us, the base funding will be £650 million over 30 years, with an additional £4 million to establish the authority.

"There will be additional funding for transport, adult skills, jobs and housing."

He said devolution was 'a chance to invest in our children's future, our businesses and our services with a vision shaped by local priorities, not distant directives from Whitehall or Westminster'.

Cllr Mark Goldsmith (Wilmslow, Ind) said: "In June this year, the Labour government announced it will give £15 billion for regional transport to the 15 mayoral authorities, the 300 other councils like Cheshire East got nothing.

"So, unless we approve today's vote, we will not get the government investment needed for our regional transport priorities."

The full result of Wednesday's devolution deal vote (Credit: LDRS)

Council leader Nick Mannion (Macclesfield, Lab) said: "This is the most important external matter for the economy and prosperity of Cheshire East since the catastrophic cancellation of HS2 north of Birmingham.

"It's a chance to reboot our economy, and it's a chance to start building economic growth, not just for our generation, but for generations to come."

Sandbach councillor Sam Corcoran referred to public speakers who had addressed the council at the beginning of the meeting at Tatton Park.

"You have heard from the business leaders today who are dismayed by those politicians opposing this proposal," he said.

"I support the principle of devolution and encourage a new mayor to promote Cheshire as a green, innovative and wealthy county that is open for business."

But many councillors didn't agree, arguing Cheshire would not be getting the good deal Manchester had received.

Cllr Jos Saunders (Poynton, Con) said: "I represent a ward which has a large rural and semi-rural community and my residents, unfortunately, see nothing in this that will benefit them.

"I was elected to represent my residents, and I do listen to all their views, and all they can see is another layer of bureaucracy that they will have to pay for."

Alsager councillor Rod Fletcher (Lib Dem) said: "Since 2009 small towns and rural areas have suffered under Cheshire East, with most money going to larger towns like Crewe and Macclesfield and, with devolution, this could get even worse.

"It has been announced that the mayor will receive £650 million but over 30 years, that's around £21 million a year for the three unitary councils."

He added: "Most mayoral authorities charge a precept. This puts extra pressure on people, many of whom are currently struggling to pay council tax.

"Small towns and rural areas could end up paying yet more council tax, but get little, if anything, in return."

Cllr Ashley Farrall (Macclesfield, non-grouped) said there was no mandate from the public to back devolution.

"Less than 0.2 per cent of residents responded to the consultation, most residents were against," he said.

He added: "In 2027 the new authority will be chaired by a directly elected mayor. Councillors will sit at the table, but no major decisions can pass without the mayor's saying.

"The mayor will gain new planning powers too, that risks overriding our local plan."

The vote, which was carried by 36 to 32 votes, was met with applause by business leaders who spoke at the meeting.

Cheshire West and Cheshire Council has already given its approval to the creation of a combined authority, and Warrington's cabinet is expected to sign it off next week.