Mansfield MP brands '˜secret' plans for metropolitan authority '˜odd' as town is cut from the deal

The MP for Mansfield has spoken out after an embargoed plan was leaked - stating that Nottingham and Derby might be joining together as a metro.
MP Ben BradleyMP Ben Bradley
MP Ben Bradley

The plans to create a ‘unified metropolitan area’ could see large areas of both counties – Amber Valley, Ashfield, Broxtowe, Derby, Erewash, Gedling, Nottingham, Rushcliffe and South Derbyshire – swallowed up and lumped together into a huge new authority.

But Mansfield, Shirebrook and Newark will not be involved in any plans which are said to have 'enormous' potential.

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While the plans are said to strengthen the bond between the two cities and create 'inclusive growth' it could also lead to a major reshuffle of the local political system.

Mansfield's MP, Ben Bradley, said: "It is very odd.

"What on earth is the district meant to do if support is dragged into the city - more than it already is?

"It doesn't make sense - it is excluding Newark and Mansfield the two biggest towns in the county."

Nottinghamshire County Council has since branded the plan as 'misleading' and has said it does not support it.

"To me the answer is not a metro structure but a unitary one supporting the whole county."