WEST Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has been chosen to chair the influential M10 mayoral group, taking over from former Mayor of South Yorkshire, Dan Jarvis.

The M10 compromises the ten Metro Mayors, who between them represent more than 20 million people and nearly 50% of England’s GDP.

Ms Brabin and her mayoral colleagues across England hold significant powers and provide a strong voice for their communities on key issues such as transport, levelling up and housing.

The cross-party M10 group of English Metro Mayors work together and press government on strategic policy areas.

Ms Brabin said: “It’s a real privilege to take over as Chair of the M10, working closely with my mayoral colleagues across parties to make the case for further devolution and learn from each other’s successes in addressing our shared challenges.

“I would like to thank Dan for his support to me, personally and for the unswerving sense of duty he has demonstrated while in office.

“With the government’s commitment to levelling up, the time is right for mayors across England to work with Westminster to move decision-making closer to the people and ensure decisions are taken in the best interests of our communities.”