The outcome of next month’s local and regional elections could have a major bearing on decisions for the built environment, with candidates fighting for the right to use varying levels of devolved decision-making powers over planning and investment.

In all, 107 local authorities across England will hold elections on 2 May, while all 25 London Assembly seats are also up for grabs. For the built environment, though, most eyes will be on the battle for 10 metro mayoral positions, three of which are newly created.

Due in part to Labour’s strong position in the national opinion polls for Westminster, it is widely expected that the five incumbent Labour metro mayors will be re-elected. These are Sadiq Khan in London, Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester, Steve Rotheram in Liverpool, Tracy Brabin in West Yorkshire and Oliver Coppard in South Yorkshire.