Criticism over deputy mayor salary after FOI request reveals no duties

The £19,300 salary for the deputy mayor of the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) has been blasted after it emerged they did not deputise a single time last year.

Former deputy mayor Kevin Guy and metro mayor Helen Godwin | Photo © Freia Turland

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request showed Bath & North East Somerset Council Lib Dem leader Councillor Kevin Guy had little to do in the role between May 2025 and May this year.

Democracy campaigner and journalist Andrew Lynch told WECA’s audit committee that the authority ‘had no clue about what the deputy mayor was up to on WECA’s behalf’.

Labour’s metro mayor Helen Godwin and Councillor Guy said in response that the position of deputy mayor was ‘important’ and ‘legally required’, although Ms Godwin’s predecessor Dan Norris did not appoint a deputy throughout his tenure from 2021-25.

They said the special allowance for the role of £19,300 was decided by an independent remuneration panel.

WECA’s response to the FOI said Councillor Guy did not deputise for the mayor in her absence at any statutory public meetings – WECA committee, West of England joint committee, or the overview and scrutiny committee.

It said he did not chair any advisory boards at Ms Godwin’s request, although he did chair the transport advisory board in his capacity as a leader of one of WECA’s constituent authorities – B&NES, Bristol and South Gloucestershire – rather than as deputy mayor.

WECA said it did not hold information about the dates and occasions Councillor Guy represented the mayor at internal or external meetings requiring mayoral attendance because it did not hold a diary for the deputy mayor, which would be held by B&NES Council.

Similarly, the combined authority also did not hold information on any meetings he held with international visitors to promote international relationships when Ms Godwin’s duties prevented her from attending.

Another democracy campaigner, Suzanne Audrey, said in a written statement to the committee on Monday 6th July: “People are generally supportive of having a deputy mayor, and of rotating the role to encourage cooperation across the mayoral authority.

“But I wonder if there needs to be more thought given to ensuring there are sufficient opportunities for the deputy mayor to be seen to be fulfilling the duties of the role?”

Mr Lynch asked: “How can members of this audit committee or the auditors be assured that any value for money is being created or maintained by paying unitary authority leaders for this seemingly nominal post?”

After the meeting, Councillor Guy said: “The role of deputy mayor is an important part of the West of England Combined Authority’s governance arrangements, helping to ensure continuity of leadership and representation across the region.

“During my year in the role, I was pleased to support the mayor and represent the West of England on our shared regional priorities.

“The allowance attached to the role is independently determined through the combined authority’s independent remuneration panel, which considered the responsibilities involved. ”

Ms Godwin said: “It was wonderful to have Councillor Guy serve as my first deputy mayor, with the role rotating annually between our council leaders.

“I am grateful to Kevin for his continued work and support, and for representing our region as deputy mayor at events across the West of England and beyond – including at 10 Downing Street.

“It is of course right that politicians’ pay is independently recommended by an expert panel, as is the case for this important – and legally required – role.”

In response to Mr Lynch’s question, WECA officers said: “The law requires that a deputy mayor is appointed, regardless of whether the mayor is able to attend all statutory meetings (as was the case last year, but is not guaranteed).

“Members’ remuneration is reviewed and recommended by an independent remuneration panel.

“The allowance for the deputy mayor was set at the level recommended by the independent remuneration panel (which considered the responsibilities and duties of the deputy mayor in reaching their recommendation).

“The Freedom of Information response confirmed that each local authority holds the diary for their respective council leader.

“At committee meetings, the mayor has thanked the former deputy mayor for attending a number of engagements as part of that leadership role – in addition to chairing an advisory board.”

The new deputy mayor is Bristol City Council’s Green leader Councillor Tony Dyer.

Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporter