OTLEY’S MP is backing Tracy Brabin to become Labour’s candidate for the role of Mayor of West Yorkshire.

The inaugural West Yorkshire mayoral election is expected to take place next May and the Labour Party unveiled its shortlist of candidates earlier this month.

Tracy Brabin, Susan Hinchcliffe and Hugh Goulbourne are the three figures Labour members now have the chance to vote for - and MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) believes Ms Brabin is the best choice.

He said: “The mayor has two roles. One is to deliver the devolution deal signed with the Government - but also to act as an advocate and ambassador for West Yorkshire. I’ve seen Tracy, as a member of the Shadow Cabinet and Shadow Minister, hold the Government to account to ensure delivery in education, culture, media and digital on behalf of the whole country.”