WMCA recruits ex-MP and devolution expert as head of strategy

Julia Goldsworthy

The West Midlands Combined Authority has announced a further high-profile appointment to Mayor Andy Street’s executive team.

The authority has recruited former MP and devolution expert Julia Goldsworthy as its director of strategy.

Ms Goldsworthy has left her former role as senior devolution adviser for PwC and takes up her role with WMCA effective from September.

Ms Goldsworthy represented the Parliamentary constituency of Camborne and Redruth in Cornwall for the Liberal Democrats between 2005-2010. After being ousted from the seat in the 2010 general election, she was appointed as special adviser to then Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander in the Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition, where her focus was on public spending and public service reform.

She has spent the last two years working at PwC, leading its market approach to devolution in England.

Ms Goldsworthy will be a key member of the executive team being assembled by Mr Street and led by incoming WMCA chief executive Deborah Cadman.

Ms Goldsworthy said: “Devolution on the ambitious scale we are seeking will have far reaching implications for the region’s public sector, businesses and individuals.

“There are exciting opportunities ahead for the West Midlands, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to play a part in ensuring we make the most of them.

Ms Cadman added: “I am very much looking forward to working with Julia. She brings an invaluable skill set to this role, with top level experience of government and work in both the private and public sectors.

“Her expertise will help us understand the full potential of devolution for the benefit of the West Midlands.”

The WMCA is also currently recruiting a strategic director of housing & regeneration and a director of skills & productivity.

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