Deputy Prime Minister Lucy Powell has said Cornwall would be a "great beneficiary" of upcoming devolution plans.
On Thursday, she was questioned by a number of BBC local radio stations across the country on various topics.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the government would work with Cornwall Council and its six MPs on a devolution deal "with or without an elected mayor".
Powell said there is "lots and lots of activity and conversations going on" and the government had "been really clear that that doesn't need to happen by having a mayor anymore".
She added: "I think Cornwall will be a great beneficiary of that and the Labour Cornish MPs are on our heels every day about delivering on that promise. I think Cornwall will greatly benefit in terms of transport and powers over buses."
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BBC Radio Cornwall's Julie Skentelbery also asked Powell about the specific needs of a rural area.
Powell acknowledged it would cost more for things like bus services and that local leaders would have the ability to make decisions about local funding and where the money goes.
She refused to answer a question on whether Cornwall would receive more money under the deal.
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