Plans for a new body to manage investment worth £1.5 billion in the county’s transport and economic infrastructure have been sent to Government for final approval.

The proposal for a West Yorkshire Combined Authority made up of Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield, Kirklees and Calderdale councils was agreed by all five bodies to allow “better prospects for future wealth and job creation”.

Bradford Council was the first local authority to approve the plans when it met on July 9. Leader of Bradford Council, Coun David Green, said: “We are clear about our ambition for the whole of the Bradford district to benefit from the combined authority.

"We will also remain vocal in our own right and continue to push Government.”