The new West of England mayor has pledged to "get things moving" and put aside differences with political rivals to "make things happen" across the region.
Helen Godwin, who has become the Labour leader of the West of England Combined Authority (Weca), has the power to make decisions on areas such as jobs and growth, transport, skills, the environment, planning and housing, and business support.
Weca covers the three geographical areas of Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
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She said: “I meant what I said during the election campaign. To get the best for all of us in the West Country, politicians must put politics to one side. That’s how we’ll lay the Bristol to Portishead Line, build new affordable homes, and help create the jobs of the future."
Ms Godwin has appointed councillor Kevin Guy (Lib Dem), the leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council, as her deputy. The position has been vacant since 2021 and will now rotate each year between the leaders of the local councils.
He said: “We now have an opportunity to create a collaborative working relationship across the region, ensuring we get at least our fair share of central government funding, and moving ahead with key projects.
"I am personally honoured to be asked to take on the role of deputy mayor of the authority and feel this is also a great thing for B&NES. I look forward to working together closely to deliver what our communities need.”
Ms Godwin has pledged to work across party lines in her new role, working with Mr Guy as well as Maggie Tyrrell (Lib Dem), leader of South Gloucestershire Council; Ian Boulton (Labour), the co-leader of South Gloucestershire Council; and Bristol City Council Green leader Tony Dyer.
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“I’m proud to be from and for our region so am working right away across party lines with Kevin, Tony, Maggie, and Ian. We all need to roll up our sleeves and pitch in. Our residents deserve nothing less, and that’s the only way that we will make things happen."
Mr Dyer said: "Helen is starting her new role at a critical time for our region’s economy with many opportunities ahead for our combined authority to deliver valuable and meaningful change for people living, working and studying in Bristol.
"Working alongside Helen and my counterparts in the region’s other local authorities I hope to continue our efforts to bring these valuable working relationships closer for the benefit of all of us.”
Ms Tyrrell added: "We believe Helen now how has the best possible opportunity to take advantage of the greater spirit of collaboration we now enjoy with our partners and we look forward to working together to unlock the amazing potential for prosperity our region."
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