The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has been elected as the new Chair of the UK Mayors Network, placing her at the centre of national discussions on devolution, local growth and regional investment.
The UK Mayors Network, which represents strategic authorities across England, brings together regional mayors to collaborate on shared priorities including transport, skills, housing, economic growth and the future of devolved government.
Mayor Claire takes over the role from Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, after serving as deputy chair for the past two years. Her appointment comes as the Government continues to push forward with plans to transfer greater powers and funding from Westminster to England’s regions.
As chair, Mayor Claire will lead the cross-party organisation in its engagement with Government, advocating for the powers, funding and flexibility local leaders say are needed to deliver better outcomes for communities.
Mayor Claire Ward said:
"I’m honoured to have been elected by my fellow mayors to chair the UK Mayors Network. Tracy has done a superb job in the role, and I take it over at an exciting time with more devolution and more mayors on their way to join us.
"Mayors are working across party lines because we all face many of the same challenges – in the East Midlands and across the country – from improving public transport and building the homes people need, to giving people the skills to get on and backing local businesses to grow.
"People know what works in their communities, and mayors are often best placed to act on that. I want the council to be a strong voice for mayors and for the communities we represent."
Her election comes during a significant period for English devolution, with former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham now serving as Prime Minister and placing greater regional empowerment at the heart of the Government’s agenda.
Ministers are proposing a larger share of locally raised tax revenues for regions, alongside increased control over investment and funding decisions. The plans have been described as the most substantial transfer of power from Westminster in a generation.
Mayor Claire said:
"Since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister, we have seen a real shift in the national conversation about devolution, with Government recognising that decisions are often best made closer to the people they affect.
"That creates a real opportunity to go further. In the East Midlands and across England, regions need the powers, funding and flexibility to tackle the challenges they face and make the most of the opportunities in front of them.
"I look forward to working with mayors from across England and with Government to build on that progress. I want to use this role to make sure the voice of mayors is heard clearly at the heart of Government, and that the benefits of devolution are felt in every part of England."
The leadership changes also extend to the executive level, with Amy Harhoff, Chief Executive of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, becoming Chair of the UK Mayors Network Chief Executives Group.
The appointments further strengthen the East Midlands' influence in national decision-making at a time when regional leaders are playing an increasingly important role in shaping economic development, public services and long-term growth strategies across England.
Image credit: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
