West Yorkshire’s mayor; competence matters more than political stitch-ups

This is West Yorkshire's council leaders with Chancellor Risihi Sunak and Local Government Minister Simon Clarke. Now who will be the area's first metro mayor?

NOW THAT the public consultation over West Yorkshire’s £1.8bn devolution deal has been concluded, attention now turns to candidates to become the area’s first metro mayor and for them to demonstrate that they have the necessary vision, leadership and gravitas for one of the biggest jobs in regional government.

Experience elsewhere points to three types of mayors. First, the one-time Westminster high-flyers who became disillusioned by Parliament such as Dan Jarvis (Sheffield City Region) and Andy Burnham (Greater Manchester). Next those with experience of local government such as Ben Houchen (Tees Valley). And, finally, those steeped in business like former John Lewis boss Andy Street (West Midlands).

And while one of the intentions of the mayoralties was to encourage ‘outsiders’ into public life, they, nevertheless, remain party political contests – Mr Street, by way of example, owes his success to the Tory party’s endorsement.

However, rather than the main parties leaving the issue of selection to their members, they should be taking the opportunity to reinvigorate grassroots politics by finding a way for the wider public to be involved in the upcoming selection process.

Dan Jarvis is the Mayor of Sheffield City Region. Though he's still MP for Barnsey Central, he was among a number of high-profile figures to become disillusioned by Parliamentary life.

This is complicated by Covid-19, but it might enable more people to become engaged with the election and encourage a broader range of people to stand against established MPs and councillors. After all, the ultimate winner will need a broad mandate if they’re to respond effectively to the region’s challenges as mayor of West Yorkshire. That person does not necessarily have to be a politician.

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Thank you

James Mitchinson

Editor

West Yorkshire’s mayor; competence matters more than political stitch-ups – The Yorkshire Post says

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