What does the Mayor do?

The Mayor has a number of specific powers. Find out what they are and how they fit with partner councils.

The Mayor of West Yorkshire is a figurehead for the region, working with the Mayoral Combined Authority, council leaders, business representatives and partners to prioritise issues that really matter to people and communities in the region. 

The Mayor will bring the region greater influence within Government at national level, including on economic recovery, the power to shape Government policy and access further funding. 

The Mayor has a demanding and wide-ranging role representing a population of 2.3 million residents of West Yorkshire. The Mayor supports the objectives of the Combined Authority to deliver regeneration and economic development, and co-ordination of long-term transformational programmes, and budget responsibility.

The Mayor is responsible for specific functions of the Combined Authority that are ‘Mayoral Functions’ and functions of the Police and Crime Commissioner. The Mayoral Functions are: transport-related functions, housing and planning functions, and finance powers.

The Mayor also has the ability to bring together partners across the region to drive clean and inclusive growth to ensure investments are prioritised in a way that makes a real difference to the people of West Yorkshire. The Mayor will also be a member of the LEP board.   

The Mayor is a member of the Mayoral Combined Authority and will chair its meetings. The other members will continue to be:   

  • an appointed representative from each of the constituent councils of the West Yorkshire region (likely to be the leaders of each council)  
  • one member from the LEP board  
  • one member from York City Council as a non-constituent council  
  • three additional elected members for political balance jointly appointed by the Constituent Councils.

Related information

  1. A Mayoral Combined Authority

    On 9 May Tracy Brabin was elected the first Mayor of West Yorkshire. With specific powers on transport, housing, regeneration, finance and policing, the Mayor will work with the Mayoral Combined Authority, council leaders, business representatives and partners for the benefit of the region.

    Read more about A Mayoral Combined Authority
  2. What does the devolution deal mean for local areas?

    The devolution deal gives West Yorkshire communities a greater say about the issues that affect them, plus extra investment to deliver on local priorities. Discover what the devolution deal means for the area of West Yorkshire you live in below.

    Read more about What does the devolution deal mean for local areas?
  3. The devolution deal

    The deal sets out the new powers, funding and responsibilities which will be transferred from central Government to West Yorkshire. Read the full details.

    Read more about The devolution deal