Devolution – Working with City Mayors and the Regions

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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 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.

Maria Machancoses is Chief Executive of Midlands Connect, the Sub-national Transport Body (STB) for the Midlands. Representing a region of more than 10 million people, Midlands Connect brings together 22 local transport authorities, alongside civic and business leaders, to strategically shape the region’s transport network. Maria has been instrumental in the success and development of Midlands Connect, having helped establish the organisation in 2014. Under her leadership, Midlands Connect published the region’s first landmark 25-year transport strategy and is now progressing multi-million-pound infrastructure programmes, including the £1.5 billion flagship Midlands Rail Hub project. As part of her role, she also leads policy and research activities on key agendas such as Alternative Fuels, Freight and Rural Mobility. This work led to the delivery of Supercharging the Midlands – the first roadmap to accelerate EV and hydrogen infrastructure across the region. Maria received the Transport Times “Outstanding Contribution to Transport” award in 2019. With more than 25 years’ experience, she has a strong track record of brokering innovative, multi-disciplinary partnerships to expand collaboration and joint working across regions. She has also participated extensively in international forums, including EMTA (European Metropolitan Transport Authorities) and UITP (International Association of Public Transport). Maria holds a Law degree from the University of Valencia, Spain, and a Master’s degree in International Transport from Cardiff University.

Maria replaces Julien Dehornoy, Deputy Regional Managing Director, Network Rail, who is now unable to attend.

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.