Mayor and council leaders set out plan for the future
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, and alongside each of the leaders will hold a portfolio that seeks to improve living standards for communities across West Yorkshire.
The portfolio area for each leader is:
- 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
The posts are subject to the agreement of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority at its annual meeting tomorrow, if approved the leaders will chair committees in line with their new portfolios.
Alongside these committees, Tracy Brabin will chair a new committee focusing on supporting the region’s creative and cultural sector.
Brabin 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 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 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 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 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.”
