Opposition councillors have raised concerns over a new 'shadow board' set up to smooth the way towards devolution in Cheshire and Warrington.

Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East and Warrington borough councils recently approved creation of a new Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority (CA) as part of a Government drive to devolve more power from Westminster to local areas.

The councils will all continue to operate as usual, but the CA will have a large budget and eventually be fronted by an elected mayor.

Until it is up and running, a 'shadow authority' will operate its various functions and is led by a shadow board, consisting of the leaders and deputy leaders of all three councils.

Five of them are Labour councillors, with one councillor, Michael Gorman, being an independent.

The Cheshire West and Chester Council Conservative group has raised concerns about the make-up of the new board, which held its first ever meeting last week due to what she said was a lack of opposition voices.

Cheshire West and Chester Conservative group member Lynn Gibbon (Marbury) told the meeting: "Establishing the combined authority is a major step for Cheshire and Warrington, one that could unlock real opportunity for our residents.

"But for that opportunity to mean something, it must be built on democratic strength and that's where I believe this board has a serious weakness."

She added: "Without formal opposition representation, there is no internal challenge.

"And challenge is not a nuisance; it's the foundation of good governance. It strengthens decision-making, increases public confidence, and protects this board from the perception of 'groupthink' or bias."

Cllr Louise Gittins, chair of the shadow board and leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: "The shadow board is an interim decision-making body, which is in place until the new Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority is established early next year.

"It is therefore appropriate to be comprised of the leader and deputy leader of each constituent council."

She added: "In the meantime, all elected members have the opportunity to make representations to the shadow board, as with any other public meeting, which in practice, means that they have the same rights as an observer with non-voting rights already."