SOUTH YORKSHIRE’S MAYOR SETS OUT PLAN TO BRING POWER CLOSER TO PEOPLE IN KEYNOTE SPEECH

Published 14 January 2026 at 9:23am

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has set out his plan to bring power closer to people in the region as part of a keynote speech delivered in Barnsley. 

Mayor Coppard outlined his main focus for 2026 which involves taking back responsibility through devolution, and the importance of Mayors creating that clear line between decisions and responsibility.  

His speech focused on key themes including taking responsibility, strengthening communities and making sure that people know where to turn when things go wrong. 

Mayor Coppard said: “When machines no longer have anyone in control of them, trust drains away. People stop believing that system can work for them. They stop believing that engagement matters. They stop believing that change can be shaped, rather it must be endured.  

“That, then is the defining challenge of today. For us to take back control of our own future. For governments, local, national and international to reassert control over that future.  

“And let us be clear, if we do not reassert democratic control, if we do not build new systems and structures that give power back to people, there are all too many despots, demagogues and dictators willing and eager to step into that void.  

“And that’s why devolution matters, not as an administrative reform, but as a democratic one. Because devolution, done properly, brings power closer to people.  

“It makes leadership visible again. It creates a clear line between decisions and responsibility. Devolution allows people across our communities, in places like South Yorkshire and across this country, to be heard.  

“That’s the role of a mayor. That’s my job. To take responsibility. To look people in the eye when I make a decision. To stay present when decisions are difficult and to fix things when they go wrong.  

“To listen, to remain accessible and visible enough that people know where to turn when their frustrated or let down. To walk the same streets, use the same services and experience this place, the same as anyone else, but then to fix the problems I see.” 

You can see the Mayor’s full speech on the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority website.