Mayor of the West Midlands

The Mayor of the West Midlands is a directly elected political post responsible for the metropolitan county of the West Midlands in the United Kingdom. The mayor chairs the West Midlands Combined Authority, and covers the Birmingham metropolitan area and Coventry. The first election took place on Thursday 4 May 2017. Andy Street, the inaugural mayor, was originally due to hold office for three years, with the second election for the post taking place in May 2020. This election was delayed for a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic[2], so Street's first term was extended by a year, with the second term length being reduced to three years between 2021 and 2024. The Mayor's term of office will return to four years from 2024 thereafter[3].

Mayor of the West Midlands
Incumbent
Andy Street
since 8 May 2017
StyleMr Mayor
AppointerElectorate of West Midlands
Term lengthFour years
Inaugural holderAndy Street
FormationCities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016
Salary£79,000[1]
Websitewww.wmca.org.uk

Powers and functions

Homes and Land

The mayor will have devolved compulsory purchase powers, and be responsible for the West Midlands spatial framework and land commission.

Transport

The mayor will be responsible for franchised bus services, allowing for standardised fares and branding on all bus services in the county, similar to how London's bus network operates.[4] The mayor will also, ultimately, be responsible for management of the West Midlands Key Route Network, which is to be managed by Transport for West Midlands on behalf of the mayor.[5]

Devolution

The mayor will be responsible for ensuring the first devolution deal is put into action, as well as acting as a strong voice on behalf of the region on negotiating future devolution deals with central government.[6]

List of Mayors
Colour key
(for political parties)
  Conservative
Name Picture Term of office Elected Political party Previous occupations
Andy Street 8 May 2017 Incumbent 2017 Conservative Former managing director of John Lewis
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References
  1. Elkes, Neil (22 February 2017). "Find out how much the West Midlands Mayor will be paid". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  2. Gibbons, Brett (13 March 2020). "Coronavirus forces delay to local elections with polls postponed for a year". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  3. "Coronavirus Act 2020". legislation.gov.uk. 25 March 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  4. "WMCA Devolution Agreement: Key Points" (pdf). West Midlands Combined Authority. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  5. "Freight & Highways". Transport for West Midlands. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  6. "West Midlands Combined Authority - FAQs". West Midlands Combined Authority. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
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