What will the Mayor do?
The Mayor will have a number of specific powers. Find out what they are and how they fit with partner councils and The LEP.
Becoming a Mayoral Combined Authority
On 6 May 2021, residents of West Yorkshire will be able to vote for the first ever Mayor of West Yorkshire. Through partnership we are determined to unleash our region’s full potential and in doing so raise living standards for our communities while making a full contribution to the UK economy.
On 6 May 2021 residents of West Yorkshire will be able to vote for the first ever Mayor of West Yorkshire
The Mayor of West Yorkshire will have a similar role to the Mayors of Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, and other regions in England with devolution deals. They will work alongside the leaders of the councils in West Yorkshire (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield) to help make West Yorkshire an even better place to live, work, visit and do business.
The election of the Mayor will also change the way police and crime matters are overseen in West Yorkshire, with the Mayor taking on the functions of the Police and Crime Commissioner, supported by an appointed Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.
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How do I vote?
On 6 May 2021, residents in West Yorkshire will vote to elect the first Mayor of West Yorkshire. Learn more about the different ways you can vote and when to register by. -
A timeline for devolution and the election
Find out the next steps between now and the election of the first Mayor for West Yorkshire. -
FAQs
Read our most frequently asked questions about becoming a Mayoral Combined Authority and the election. -
Information about candidates
Read more about candidate briefings, communications and engagement. -
Resources
Read our resources for groups and individuals to find out more about the election and what a Mayor means for you.
Decisions currently taken in London will be taken in West Yorkshire, by people who know and understand the region and the places within it.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority & our devolution deal
The election of the Mayor has been made possible through a devolution deal, which was agreed by West Yorkshire’s five council leaders and the Government in March 2020 and became law in January 2021. The devolution deal will bring at least an additional £1.8 billion public investment into local control over the next 30 years, and is the biggest deal of its kind.
This means that decisions currently taken in London will be taken in West Yorkshire, by people who know and understand the region and the places within it, and that we will have more influence and ability to invest in the things that matter locally, such as better transport, skills, housing and regeneration. The Mayor of West Yorkshire will be the directly elected chair of the existing West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which brings together local councils and businesses to build a strong, successful economy.
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The Combined Authority
Learn moreLearn more about West Yorkshire Combined Authority and how we work in partnership with local councils and businesses.
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The devolution deal
Read moreRead how the devolution deal sets out the new powers, funding and responsibilities which will be transferred from central Government to West Yorkshire.
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What will the devolution deal mean for my area?
Learn about your areaDiscover what the devolution deal means for the area of West Yorkshire you live in.
Further reading
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Read more about Landmark West Yorkshire Devolution Deal Becomes LawLandmark West Yorkshire Devolution Deal Becomes Law
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The landmark £1.8 billion West Yorkshire devolution deal became law today, after the devolution order was approved by the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and signed into law by Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP.
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Read more about West Yorkshire Leaders Delighted that Devolution Deal Order is Laid in Parliament TodayWest Yorkshire Leaders Delighted that Devolution Deal Order is Laid in Parliament Today
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The West Yorkshire devolution order has been laid in Parliament today – the next significant step in turning the landmark devolution deal into law in February 2021.
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Read more about West Yorkshire devolution deal one step closer to becoming lawWest Yorkshire devolution deal one step closer to becoming law
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The five West Yorkshire councils and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority have agreed that the parliamentary process to turn the landmark £1.8 billion West Yorkshire devolution deal into law can go ahead.