£105k pay packet is suggested for mayor
SIX-FIGURE SUM MORE THAN COUNTERPARTS IN SHEFFIELD OR LIVERPOOL ARE PAID
THE new West Yorkshire mayor should be paid £105,000, it has been recommended.
The six-figure sum is more than the metro mayors of either Sheffield or Liverpool are paid, as an independent panel says the role is more complex.
Voters will decide on who will become the first West Yorkshire mayor in the local elections this May. The role has been created after the Government signed off on the £1.8 billion West Yorkshire Devolution Deal last year - an agreement that will see decisions on spending on infrastructure, housing, transport, regeneration and adult skills move from Westminster to a more local level.
The West Yorkshire mayor will also replace the post of Police and Crime Commissioner, and act as the “face” of West Yorkshire nationally and internationally. At a meeting of West Yorkshire Combined Authority next Tuesday, members will decide how much to pay the new mayor. An Independent Remuneration Panel has suggested the figure be £105,000, arguing that the “level of complexity” of the role was greater than a backbench
MP (£81,932), and even metro mayors in other areas.
Sheffield’s metro mayor gets £79,000 a year, while Liverpool’s gets £80,631. However, the West Yorkshire role will also incorporate the powers currently held by the Police and Crime Commissioner. The only other Metro Mayor to have these added powers is Manchester’s mayor - who gets £110,000 a year. The panel said the Manchester role also involves powers over fire and rescue services, waste disposal and public health - responsibilities the West Yorkshire mayor will not have.
The West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner is paid £100,000. Candidates announced include Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin (Lab), Leeds Councillor Matthew Robinson (Cons), Kirklees Councillor Andrew Cooper (Green), Leeds Councillor Stewart Golton (Lib Dem) and Rawdon Parish Councillor Bob Buxton (Yorkshire Party).