TRACY Brabin, the new Metro Mayor of West Yorkshire, will be attending the first meeting of Bradford Council’s Executive since last month’s election on Tuesday.

The meeting will establish how the Executive and the new Metro Mayor can work together to drive economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic across the district and the region. Bradford Council will be the first local authority the new Metro Mayor has visited since the election.

Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “I want to welcome Mayor Brabin to Bradford and extend my congratulations to her on her election as the first Metro Mayor of West Yorkshire and the first female Metro Mayor in the country. The new role will bring a focus to our region as we work together to hold the government to account on its promise of levelling up.

“It is clear that so many of our ambitions for the Bradford District align with the vision Tracy has set out. Prioritising investment in green transport, housing and employment and skills will be essential as we start to emerge and rebuild our region after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Also key will be making sure we care for our communities and those who have lost so much since the start of the pandemic, and that we keep people safe. We look forward to working together with Tracy and putting this vision into practice.”

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Kersten England, Chief Executive, said: “We already have a strong track record of partnership working across the region and we will be working closely with Tracy and her team over the coming months as the new Metro Mayoral role is established. This is an exciting development and we’re determined to make sure our region and Bradford District gets the support and investment it needs from government for growth and jobs as we recover from the pandemic. The new Metro Mayoral role will bring added investment as well as a clear strategic approach for our region and will bring much valued long-term support for our local economy.”

Mrs Brabin said: “I’m looking forward to visiting Bradford and working alongside colleagues at the local authority. The past year has been especially hard for our residents and businesses, and I know that by working in partnership we can bounce back and rebuild our economy.

“With a bid to become the 2025 City of Culture also on the horizon, this is such an exciting time for the city of Bradford. From its thriving culture, to its strong entrepreneurial spirit, the city and our people have so much to offer, and that’s why I’m passionate about backing the bid for it to be crowned a worthy winner.”