Mayors statement in relation to the resignation of the Prime Minister

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire makes the following statement in relation to the resignation of the Prime Minister

"As Boris Johnson’s Government collapses into chaos, the eyes of the nation are understandably trained on the shenanigans in Downing Street. But beyond SW1, the mission to create inclusive, sustainable regional economies, create jobs, tackle the cost-of-living crisis, the climate emergency, and transforming our local transport system continues."

"I and other Mayors and local leaders are continuing to deliver on our promises, using the resources we have available locally to keep our promises and our commitments. But the chaos created by a Prime Minister unfit for office has consequences for the North. For the last year, I and other mayors have been negotiating a new transport settlement with government."

"In West Yorkshire, this is worth £890m and will help us deliver new bus routes, cycle lanes and let us take forward our ambitious plans for a new Mass Transit system across the region - a commitment in this Government’s election manifesto."

"Despite the initial allocations being announced in October last year, the multi-year funding agreement we were promised has still not been finalised. Meddling hands of strangers in Whitehall, who have no detailed knowledge of the needs of our towns and cities, have prevented us from getting it over the line. The same goes for funding related to our Bus Service Improvement Plan, which will invest in cheaper fares and desperately needed additional routes. And more than eight months on since the Integrated Rail Plan, we are still waiting on the terms of reference of the study of how to bring high speed trains from Sheffield into Leeds."

"The delays and uncertainty caused by the chaotic collapse in government is holding back the North. It makes an even greater case for devolving further powers and resources directly to mayors and local leaders. We will continue to deliver regardless of the situation in Downing Street. But if Government were to get out of our way we could go further and truly unleash the full potential of our regions."