The Only Way is Wessex.
We’re back and it’s official, as of 28th October 2026 Wessex rides again. Wessex has resurrected from 1066 and has now been officially endorsed, as a thing, by the King of the North, Andy Burnham:
“Yes, I’m always happy to create more mayors, I’m not joking, yes! I would like to see a fully devolved south west of England. I know Cornish members were in No.10 North this week to discuss a devolution deal, I met Devon members this week who are seeking the same. I will offer the same to Wessex members and let’s move quickly to a fully devolved Wessex and SW of England.”
Just so he knows, because he may have skipped the history and learning bit at Cambridge, it’s easily done thereabouts nowadays – he’s just accidentally re-booted the political entity that founded England. The Mayor of Wessex is back in 2028 and it’s not a lot to do with Casterbridge or Thomas Hardy, Andy, the Heart of Wessex will soon throb mightily upon your bosom.
- 871–899: Alfred the Great rules Wessex.
- 924–939: Æthelstan of Wessex rules, becoming king of a unified English kingdom in 927.
- 1066: French Vikings cancel Wessex.
- 2026: The Government formally backs a new mayoral strategic authority bearing the Wessex name.
- 2027: England marks 1,100 years since the unification by Æthelstan.
And even more excitingly, as if it were possible, and suitably poignantly, as if I could spell it, Andy’s managed to schedule the next Mayoral election in Cumbria (May 27) where the good deed took place. Vote England! Vote early, vote often.
We can assume that this is all a cunning plan by Andy to celebrate this with a lovely bank holiday on England Day, Monday July 12th 2027. But we may well be as deluded as Andy’s assertion of a “fully devolved” England whilst he retains full control at Westminster.
Wessex Devolution: Official Sources
On 28 October 2026, the UK Government confirmed in its Autumn Budget that it was in the final stages of agreeing a devolution deal for Wessex, covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The proposed Mayoral Strategic Authority remains subject to final agreement and consultation.
- HM Treasury – Autumn Budget 2026: Official Budget announcement confirming Wessex devolution.
- HM Treasury – Budget 2026 Regional Growth Factsheet: Devolution agreements, regional funding and fiscal powers.
- Dorset Council – 28 October 2026: Joint statement welcoming the Budget announcement.
- Dorset Council – 21 October 2026: Prime Minister backs Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority.
- Somerset Council – 28 October 2026: Chancellor confirms support for Wessex devolution.