Local politicians have spoken out against possible plans for Warwickshire County Council (WCC) to join the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Council leader Cllr Izzi Seccombe told the Local Democracy Reporting Service last week it would be "negligent" to not consider the move, but scotched suggestions that full membership is a done deal.

The West Midlands Local Authority, led by elected mayor Andy Street, is a formal alliance of seven councils across the Midlands from Shropshire to the west to Warwickshire to the east. 

Warwickshire is a non-constituent member, meaning it has less say on bigger decisions. And residents cannot vote on the mayor.

But MP for Warwick and Leamington Matt Western has said WCC should not join the authority and asserts local residents do not want their lives “run by Brum”.

Mr Western has accused the Conservative leadership at WCC and at the WMCA of "just doing what they want, at the expense of local people".

He has previously raised concerns about the authority seeking to swallow up Warwickshire which he believed would “result in more distant decision-making and an increased democratic deficit.”

"This is a plan aimed at getting Mr Street re-elected – simple as that," Mr Western said.

"What is clearer is the blatant disregard of local communities by the leadership both at Warwickshire County Council and at the WMCA.

"I want to assure residents that I will stand with them and campaign against these plans, in the same way we did with the failed attempt to merge Warwick and Stratford District Councils.

"I have written to the leader of Warwickshire County Council stating my opposition.”

Meanwhile leader of the Labour group at Warwick District Council Cllr Chris King described the plans as "an act of desperation" to "try and secure a Tory Mayor for the West Midlands"

A spokesperson for the WMCA has said no formal approach to WCC had been made.

Meanwhile Cllr Seccombe has said it is "not the case" that a decision had or would be taken without engagement with stakeholders.

"It is fair to say that, from time to time, we explore whether we want to change our status and that is under consideration but there has certainly been no decision," she said last week.

"We review whether joining or not is the best thing for our residents and businesses. That is more relevant at the moment than before because of the demise of LEPs through which funding streams have flowed.

"This will be about the continuation of funding streams at a time when the LEPs are not there and it appears combined authorities may be the way.

"We are considering it but of course, any further consideration beyond that would be subject to consultation, discussions across districts and boroughs on what it means for them, our residents and our businesses, if indeed that is what we want to do. 

"It is a very long way from all that has been said." 

Labour's candidate for West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said: "Andy Street needs to focus on delivering for the people of the region - not on a Trump-like attempt to game the next election."

Nub News has approached Mr Street for comment.