West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin has been re-elected by her fellow metro mayors to chair the UK Mayors Group.

The election took place ahead of a meeting of the Mayoral Council for England yesterday (4 September), chaired by the deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner.

Held in the East Midlands, the landmark meeting brought together England’s cross-party mayors to discuss their shared priorities for the country, including how they will work together to grow their regional economies and make life easier for working people.

The vote of confidence means that Tracy Brabin will continue to lead the collective voice of England’s directly-elected mayors – who together represent over half of the population – as they push for stronger powers and fairer funding to drive growth, improve public services, and bring decision-making closer to the people it affects.

East Midlands mayor Claire Ward was also elected as the deputy chair of the UK Mayors Group.

Tracy Brabin, mayor of West Yorkshire and chair of the UK Mayors Group, said: “I am honoured to have been entrusted once again by my fellow mayors to lead the UK Mayors Group.

“At a time when towns and cities across England face urgent challenges – from building affordable homes and clean power to reforming adult skills and public transport – it is vital that mayors of all political parties work together to speak with one voice, on behalf of the thirty million people we collectively represent.

“Together, we will continue to champion devolution, ensuring the decisions that affect our lives are taken closer to home, as we work together to build a brighter Britain that works for all.”

Claire Ward, mayor of the East Midlands and deputy chair of the UK Mayors Group, said: “I am honoured to be elected the Deputy Chair of UK Mayors.

“It is the forum that brings mayors together – across party lines – to bring more power to regions, and making a success of it together has never been more critical.

“I look forward to working closely with my fellow mayors, government, and local partners to ensure that devolution delivers.”