Devolution – Working with new City Mayors and the Regions

The expansion of devolution and the increasing prevalence of directly elected mayors across the UK have introduced new opportunities and challenges for transport governance, particularly in the rail sector, where there is greater local influence over planning and investment. This session explores how the rail sector, and future GBR, can work effectively with new city mayors and regional authorities to deliver better outcomes for local economies and passengers

Date: 22nd July 2026

Times 5pm – Registration, networking and canapes, 6:30pm – Panel Session with Q&A, 8pm – Summary & Close, Networking and post drinks 9pm – Event closes

Venue Mott MacDonald, 10 Fleet Place, London, EC4M 7RB

What you’ll take away

• A clearer understanding of the devolved landscape and mayoral priorities
• Insight into how GBR and the rail sector can engage early and productively with city regions
• Practical ideas for creating win-win partnerships that align national rail objectives with local growth ambitions

Meet the panel

Sir Richard Leese, Former Leader, Manchester City Council Richard was the chair of NHS Greater Manchester from November 2001 until June this year. Before that, for over 25 years he was the Leader of Manchester City Council, playing a leading role in the regeneration of the Manchester city-region. Amongst other things he drove the expansion of the Metrolink network, was a signatory to the 2014 devolution agreement which included re-regulation of bus services, led the expansion of Manchester Airport Group, was the first (interim) Chair of Transport for the North, and first Chair of Rail North.

Katie Day, Interim Chief Executive, Transport for the North Katie has over 20 years’ experience across public bodies and central government, including senior roles at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department of Energy and Climate Change, delivering on policy for regional growth and nationally significant infrastructure. Before joining Transport for the North in 2023, she served as Director of Policy & Communications at the Office for Nuclear Regulation for more than five years. She brings extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning & operational delivery, and partner engagement. Katie joined Transport for the North as Director of Strategy, Analysis & Communications in 2023 and became Deputy Chief Executive in 2024. Since June 2026, she has served as Interim Chief Executive. She leads the organisation, ensuring it delivers on the priorities set by the Board and its members. She has a passion for transparency and collaboration, working closely with our members across the North, the Department for Transport and our delivery partners.

Julien Dehornoy, Deputy Regional Managing Director, Network Rail Julien joined Network Rail in April 2025 to become the Deputy Regional Managing Director of the North West & Central Region in the lead up to the creation of Great British Railways. With more than 20 years of experience leading large and complex transport operations, Julien was regional managing director of France’s national state-owned railway company SNCF. He was also CEO for SNCF America and Chief of Staff to the Minister for Transport in France. In 2019, he became CEO for Yarra Trams – the operator of the Melbourne tram network before becoming the CEO for their Australian owning group Keolis Downer in 2023 that also provides bus, train and ferry services. Julien has a strong focus on building bridges between the travelling public and rail workers, the “wheel” and the “rail”, the transport authorities and rail operators, making rail a truly integrated transport mode.

Register
To express your interest, please complete the booking registration form below. NB: SWiFT events are Members only, should you wish to join, please complete the Membership application form here.

Dietary Requirements Most dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten/dairy/nut-free options will be catered for. Please notify our waiting staff of your specific dietary needs upon arrival. While we strive to cater to all dietary preferences and allergies, we cannot guarantee that our food will be completely free of allergens.

Sponsored by Network Rail and Newsom Consulting.