The leaders of Lancashire's three all-purpose authorities have vowed to pursue the devolution deal for the county, after progress on the blueprint has been thrown into disarray by the calling of the General Election.

The agreement was poised to clear its final hurdle in the coming weeks, with the legislation to bring it into force set to be put before Parliament until Rishi Sunak's announcement last week.

Now Cllr Phillippa Williamson leader of Lancashire County Council; Cllr Phil Riley, her counterpart at Blackburn with Darwen Council; and Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council , have issued a joint statement saying: “We remain committed to securing a devolution deal for Lancashire.

"We are convinced this is a good deal and one that builds the foundation for additional deals in the future.

“The timing of a general election means we will not be able to finalise our deal as soon as we would have wished.

“However, we will continue to work together and be ready to conclude this with the new government."