UK Metro Mayors
All of the six new English metro mayors elected in May 2017 will be attending the summit. They have had their input into the agenda to ensure it meets their needs as they take on the challenge of developing a brand new government institution and deliver on their manifesto, all in a short first term of only three years. At the summit these mayors can expect to gain insight from their US counterparts while also offering their reflection and knowledge into how to build trust and engagement in the mayoral model.
Steve Rotheram
Metro Mayor of Liverpool City Region
Population size: 1,524,500
Economy (GVA): £29.5bn
Steve Rotheram is a former Labour MP for Liverpool Walton, and like Andy Burnham, is an experienced national politician, helping to raise the profile of the Liverpool City Region mayoralty and could be crucial in negotiating the area’s needs with national government. Steve’s priorities for the region are to improve residents’ education and skills opportunities, reducing inequality and improving transport in the area.
Ben Houchen
Metro Mayor of Tees Valley
Population size: 667,500
Economy (GVA): £12.6bn
Ben Houchen was formerly the Leader of the Conservative Group in Stockton Council – a local authority within Tees Valley, and has been in local politics since 2011. His priorities are to improve the economic prospects of the Tees Valley building on its existing strengths as a port, and its housing of major distribution centres.
Tim Bowles
Metro Mayor of West of England
Population size: 908,900
Economy (GVA): £26.9bn
Mayor Tim Bowles was previously a Conservative Councillor for South Gloucestershire, working in local politics since 2011. His key priorities for his mayoralty are to tackle congestion, deliver new homes and improve the area’s digital infrastructure.
Andy Burnham
Metro Mayor of Greater Manchester
Population size: 2,756,100
Economy (GVA): £59.6bn
Andy Burnham is a former Labour MP for Leigh and former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. As a highly experienced national politician, he is almost among the most high profile of the six mayors. His priorities are to tackle homelessness, and support young people not in education or work to link them to opportunities.
Andy Street
Metro Mayor of West Midlands
Population size: 2,833,600
Economy (GVA): £59.3bn
Andy Street is a Conservative mayor and former Managing Director of John Lewis, a well-known and successful UK retailer; he also was Chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership an economic development partnership between businesses and local government. Andy’s priorities for the West Midlands are to reduce congestion, improve transport and boost skills.
James Palmer
Metro Mayor of Cambridge and Peterborough
Population size: 841,300
Economy (GVA): £24.2bn
James Palmer is an experienced local politician and was previously Conservative leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, and a Councillor since 2007. As Mayor, James’s key priority is to bring the benefits of Cambridge’s continued high growth to the wider metropolitan region.
