HAMPSHIRE’S top civic chief has called on the Prime Minister to consider Southampton as a “core city” as the Government looks to devolve power to Britain’s regions.

Cllr Roy Perry, leader of Hampshire County Council, said the county was part of the UK’s “economic powerhouse” and shouldn’t be neglected by David Cameron as he discusses giving power to England’s core cities.

“I don’t think he’s mentioned Southampton or Portsmouth as core cities,” he said.

“We are very much part of the economic powerhouse of the United Kingdom. Don’t neglect us – don’t underwrite us.”

He was addressing the European Conference on Banking and the Economy in Winchester, opening a public question session on reforming the banking system and the role of community lenders.

Guest speakers at the conference included former Financial Services Authority chairman Adair Turner, Professor John Kay of the Financial Times and Sir John Gieve, former deputy-governor of the Bank of England.