Greater Manchester’s Police & Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd has put his name in the hat to become the region’s Interim Mayor as part of the devolution of powers to the area’s 10 local authorities.
The position is being created as part of the devolution of powers to Greater Manchester, an initiative designed to reform public service and grow the economy in the area.
The Mayor’s role will be to provide strong leadership for the region, and will be responsible for championing Greater Manchester following the devolution of power.
Mr Lloyd said: “All eyes are now on Greater Manchester. Some are hoping we succeed and prove devolved government can deliver a more equal and prosperous Britain, but there will be some waiting for it to fail.
“That brings a great responsibility for us and all of England’s city and county regions and it’s a challenge I am ready for.”
Candidates for the role of Interim Mayor will be shortlisted and interviewed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority by May.
The position will then continue through the transition to devolution, with the position of Mayor being directly elected by residents.
Mr Lloyd set out his vision for Manchester following the introduction of the new powers, which include greater control over transport, housing, and strategic planning.
“We must ensure that we have a plan to grow the economy across all ten boroughs and cities in Greater Manchester so that every community sees that devolution will make a real difference to their lives,” he said.
The Police & Crime Commissioner came into his role in November 2012, and stated that in working to improve services he sought to work with elected officials from all parties.
Committing to continue that work, Mr Lloyd added that: “As Interim Mayor I would commit to continue to have regular open dialogue with elected representatives, as it is through local democratically elected members that I am able to understand the issues that matter to our communities.”
Announcing his candidacy, Mr Lloyd proclaimed that people must be central to any strategy for Manchester’s future.
“Without a highly skilled population, agile and ambitious we are not fit for the challenges ahead,” he said.
Mr Lloyd also said that he would not only seek to close the ‘North-South divide’, but also to establish Manchester as a worldwide powerhouse.
“Our real task isn’t just to offer the UK an alternative to London and the South East but to champion Greater Manchester across the globe.
“We’ve set the agenda on sports, culture and the sciences but the world is moving forward quickly and it isn’t enough to rest on past successes, nor is it enough to follow others.”
He continued by saying that it was important to ensure that all areas of Manchester prosper from the new powers.
“I will work to ensure that the benefits of economic success can be felt right across Greater Manchester be that through decent jobs, housing development, training and education opportunities, better, cheaper and further reaching transport links, reduced crime and better health outcomes,” he said.
Mr Lloyd, if successful, will combine the position with his current role as Police & Crime Commissioner, but has stated that he will only take one salary.
Image courtesy of GMPCC, with thanks
