Greg Clark MP suggests devolution deal for Cornwall - but where is the democracy

Apparently, a Conservative Government minister has told the Western Morning News that there is an “appetite” to devolve powers to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The Cities and the Constitution Minister Greg Clark was quoted as saying:

“Cornwall is a place, from the Government's point of view, where there's been a particular appetite to do a deal with. It’s a place that exemplifies par excellence my view that the people that know best what is needed for the area are the people who live and work there.

“It’s obvious if you are based in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly your ability to say what intervention, what investment is appropriate, is far more accurate and well-informed than if you are an official sitting miles away in London."

There seems little detail related to this statement, other than that it is in the context of “city deals” and city-like deals for non-city areas. I have little faith in what has been suggested - given the Tories record on devolution and so-called localism.

And what is more, there seems to be more mentions of the unelected Local Enterprise Partnership than elected politicians.

Mr Clark. Cornwall needs a proper settlement with democracy at its core.