Date set for city’s mayoral election

THE first-ever mayor of Greater Manchester will be elected on May 4 2017, Northern Powerhouse minister James Wharton has announced.

The Mayor will have significant powers as a result of the devolution deal agreed between the city region and the government, and paves the way for significant powers to be passed to the area from Westminster – a key part of building the Northern Powerhouse.

The new mayor will provide the strong local accountability needed with these new powers being devolved.

Wharton said: “Building a Northern powerhouse is central to our plans to rebalance the economy – key to that is handing powers back to local area. Greater Manchester are leading the way and on 4 May 2017 local people will have a direct say over who they want to run their city-region.

“Six other areas have already signed devolution deals, and with our change in the law to devolve even more powers from Westminster, I’m confident many other areas will soon follow suit.”

Former Labour MP and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd is acting as interim mayor with limited powers. He is likely to seek election next year, while Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council may also stand.