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31
Dec 2023
Looking ahead: A new mayor and combined authority for North Yorkshire
From a new mayor to another layer of governance, the next year is set to bring a wave of political change in North Yorkshire.
Much like in neighbouring Tees Valley, the county is set to get its first metro mayor.
While for some the prospect of another elected politician will raise eyebrows, the role will come with significant powers.
From bus franchising to police and crime commissioner powers, the mayor will wield some influence in the county.
The race to secure the role has already started.
Three political parties - the Conservatives, Labour and Greens - have already unveiled their candidates for the election in May 2024.
Keane Duncan, who currently holds a senior position on North Yorkshire Council’s executive, will fight the contest for the Tories, while Kevin Foster and David Skaith will stand for the Greens and Labour. Keith Tordoff, a businessman from Pateley Bridge, will stand as an independent.
The whole prospect signals a shift in how politics will be carried out in the county beyond jostling for control of North Yorkshire Council and individual parliamentary constituencies.
A new layer of governance
Aside from a new political position, a new layer of governance is also set to be created.
As part of the devolution deal which was announced in August 2022, a combined authority will be set up for North Yorkshire and York.
The move will be historic for the county as it joins Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and Tees Valley in setting up such an authority.
Read More:
- Have devolution fears that Harrogate will be voiceless come true?
- Mayor for North Yorkshire agreed in £540m historic devolution deal
- Explained: What is North Yorkshire’s combined authority?
The combined authority, which will be overseen by the directly elected mayor, is expected to have powers to make decisions on matters such as economic development and transport.
At the moment, talk of the authority appears to be couched in intangible and esoteric concepts such as “gainshare”.
But, for Cllr Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, the new organisation will show “tangible benefits” for residents across the county.
He said:
Its formation will be overseen by Harrogate-born James Farrar as chief operating officer in its transition year.
The new authority could be launched in January amid delays with the parliamentary process.
Regardless, its formation, along with the directly elected mayor, are set to represent a shift in how politics is carried out across North Yorkshire.
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