Council leader Sleigh named deputy mayor
WEST Midlands mayor Andy Street has appointed fellow Conservative and Solihull Council leader Bob Sleigh as his deputy.
The appointment came as council and business leaders held their first West Midlands Combined Authority meeting with the new mayor chairing.
Councillor Sleigh had been combined authority chairman in the run up to the mayoral election and Mr Street said he has the confidence of council leaders.
The deputy mayor has to be one of the seven metropolitan council leaders from Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Wolverhampton.
Councillor Sleigh is the only Conservative among the seven and represents Solihull, where voters turned out in large numbers to secure the top job for Mr Street.
“I wanted Bob to take on the role of deputy mayor for two main reasons,” he said.
“First, he has done an excellent job in getting the West Midlands Combined Authority to where it is now, effectively laying the foundations to enable the Mayor to build on progress.
“Second, having been chosen as chairman in August 2015, it is Walsall and clear he has the support and trust of the other council leaders. That will be crucial as we work to unite the leadership of the West Midlands. I know Bob will be an invaluable colleague over the next three years.”
Councillor Sleigh added: “It has been a pleasure to chair the Combined Authority for the last 18 months and I believe we have made a great deal of progress in key areas.
“I am honoured to accept the position of deputy mayor and look forward to working closely with Andy during what promises to be an exciting time for the West Midlands.”