Mayor of West Yorkshire and Council Leaders working together to build a better West Yorkshire
The Mayor of West Yorkshire and the Leaders of West Yorkshire Councils have set out how they will work together to deliver improvements in skills, housing and regeneration, transport, support for business and tackling the climate emergency.
21 May 2021
The Mayor of West Yorkshire and the Leaders of West Yorkshire Councils have set out how they will work together to deliver improvements in skills, housing and regeneration, transport, support for business and tackling the climate emergency.
Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, has been nominated to serve as Deputy Mayor.
Council Leaders will also each hold portfolios to drive progress in improving living standards for communities across West Yorkshire.
The portfolios will be:
- Business, Economy, and Innovation – Cllr Shabir Pandor
- Carbon and Energy – Cllr Tim Swift
- Place, Regeneration and Planning – Cllr Denise Jeffery
- Skills and Employment – Cllr James Lewis
- Transport - Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe
If agreed at the Annual Meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority on 24 June, Council Leaders will chair committees in line with their new portfolios.
The Mayor will chair a new committee focusing on supporting West Yorkshire’s creative and cultural sector.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “I’m excited to be working with all the Leaders of West Yorkshire councils to deliver on the pledges I made during the election. I am committed to building on the work already underway to create a stronger, more resilient West Yorkshire, increasing living standards for all across the region.”
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “A joined up transport system that ensures all our communities are connected to jobs, services, culture and each other is central to achieving our ambitions for West Yorkshire.”
Cllr Tim Swift, Leader of Calderdale Council, said: “I am proud of the challenging target we have set to achieve a net-zero carbon region by 2038 which is making West Yorkshire a leader in tackling the climate emergency and will drive growth in skilled, well-paid green economy jobs.”
Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “By making West Yorkshire the best place to start or grow a business we can create more and better jobs and generate investment to support the public services our region deserves.”
Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Improving skills is key to helping our communities access well-paid secure jobs, improving productivity, attracting businesses to West Yorkshire and make sure those already here can thrive.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “We need regeneration which delivers high quality affordable homes and helps people lead happier and healthier lives, bringing them closer to the opportunities which will raise their standard of living.”