The East Midlands Mayor has signalled renewed hope that plans to scrap vital road improvements in Nottinghamshire could be reviewed after talks with the new Prime Minister.
Fresh approach after funding cut
Claire Ward said she has begun working with political and civic leaders across the region to press the government to reverse decisions that saw major schemes removed from local plans. The cancelled projects include the multimillion-pound upgrade to the A46 Newark bypass and junction work on the A38 in Derby.
The moves came as part of a reprioritisation to help fund a £15 billion increase in defence spending announced in the closing weeks of the previous administration under Keir Starmer. Business and political figures had argued the changes indicated the East Midlands was being left “at the back of the queue.”
Working with central government
Ms Ward, who previously worked with Andy Burnham when he was Mayor of Greater Manchester, said she had met the Prime Minister at least twice since he took office — at a National Economic Council meeting in Number 10 North and during his visit to Alstom in Derby. She described Mr Burnham as a Prime Minister who now “understands the importance” of working with regional mayors.
"I am now working with political leaders across the region, bringing together MPs, council leaders, elected mayors, councillors and regional representatives to make a united case to government," Ms Ward said. "We now have a prime minister that understands the importance of regional mayors and has already shown a commitment to greater local control... and a new relationship between national and local government."
Ms Ward added she was “looking forward to taking this case directly to government” to secure the investment needed for the shelved projects and to support future growth in the East Midlands.
What was cancelled
Local leaders have repeatedly highlighted the importance of the A46 Newark bypass upgrade, which would have remodelled key roundabouts along the busy route. Campaigners say the work is vital for road safety and for easing congestion, although specific details of future proposals have not been provided.
- A46 Newark bypass — upgrade plans shelved
- A38 Derby junctions — planned junction improvements removed
- Reason given — funding redirected to meet increased defence spending
| Project | Status |
|---|---|
| A46 Newark bypass | Removed from current funding plans |
| A38 Derby junctions | Removed from current funding plans |
The mayor emphasised a co‑ordinated regional approach, bringing together MPs, council leaders and other elected figures to present a unified argument to ministers. She characterised the previous manner of notification about the cancellations — being told “moments” before the then-Prime Minister announced the changes — as a poor way to treat local leaders.
As discussions continue, local businesses and residents will be watching for any concrete commitments from central government that could restore funding or produce alternative plans to address congestion and safety on these key routes.
