Cumbria Combined Authority has taken a significant step in its devolution journey with the recommendation to appoint John Barradell OBE as its Interim Chief Executive.
The recommendation was made by the Joint Appointments Panel on 11 February, with the proposal now due to go before the first meeting of the CCA Board on 18 March. If approved, Mr Barradell will formally take up the role shortly afterwards.
Barradell brings extensive senior leadership experience, having previously served as Chief Executive of the City of London Corporation and Brighton & Hove City Council. He has also played major roles in national resilience efforts, including leading the Government’s Grenfell Recovery Taskforce and chairing the London Strategic Group during Covid‑19. He currently chairs the National Emergencies Trust and serves as a commissioner on the National Preparedness Commission.
Based in Carlisle with his family, Barradell is already deeply rooted in the region and currently works as Programme Director for Devolution in Cumbria, reinforcing his long‑standing commitment to the county.
Commenting on his recommendation, Barradell said:
“I’m honoured to be recommended for appointment as Interim Chief Executive of the new Cumbria Combined Authority.
“Throughout my career I’ve worked with organisations going through big changes, and it’s shown me just how important it is for people to work together, be open, and focus on what really matters for the communities they serve.
“My home is Cumbria. It’s a place I know well and care about deeply. I know how much we have to be proud of; from world leading clean energy and advanced manufacturing to our visitor economy, our strong communities and, of course, our incredible landscape. I want to help make sure these strengths are recognised across the UK and beyond, and that Cumbria and its residents gets the investment, attention and influence it deserves.
“Devolution is a huge opportunity for us. It puts more decisions in local hands and gives us the chance to shape Cumbria’s future in a way that reflects our priorities and ambitions. I’m passionate about helping Cumbria make the most of this moment and build on the talent, potential and unique character that make our home so special.”
The CCA is a new statutory authority set to be led by a directly elected Mayor from May 2027. The Interim Chief Executive role will be pivotal in shaping the authority’s early development and ensuring Cumbria capitalises on its devolution agreement, which guarantees at least £333 million in new funding for local priorities.
During its first year, the CCA will be jointly led by the leaders of Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, ahead of mayoral elections. The combined authority will oversee strategic planning, economic investment, transport, regeneration, and environmental resilience – creating a single, unified voice for the county.
Image credit: iStock
