The new Mayor of the West of England has thanked staff at the authority as she looked back on her first week and acknowledged its recent challenging history.
Labour’s Helen Godwin | Photo © WECA
Helen Godwin, the Labour Metro Mayor, thanked officers for their warm welcome since taking office, and reflected on her time so far in the role.
Echoing the energy and enthusiasm of staff, and the positive start with local council leaders in Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire, she reassured staff that her door was always open.
She set out her plans to be around and active, visible and accessible, and the need to better tell the region’s story.
Taking questions, the new Mayor emphasised the need to work closely with local councils, the importance of the voluntary and community sector, and the need to work with residents.
Helen shared her vision for her convening power as mayor, to connect schools and employers to prioritise pathways for young people into the tens of thousands of new jobs coming to the region through major investment and regeneration including at Bristol Temple Quarter and Brabazon.
She also spoke of her love for the West Country and the need to preserve and restore nature while delivering economic growth through new jobs and new homes.
She also reaffirmed her commitment to tackling climate change while supporting and reflecting the communities served by the West of England Combined Authority.
The new Mayor also outlined the relationships being built with key partners, including government ministers and investors.
With the English Devolution Bill coming before Parliament this summer, Helen also highlighted the need to secure further powers and funding from Westminster, including through an integrated funding settlement like those already awarded to larger combined authorities in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.
Speaking following the meeting, Helen Godwin, said: “At the start of a new chapter for the West of England, I was delighted to meet with staff at the Mayoral Combined Authority this afternoon.
“Just over a week after taking office, and having met with government ministers, investors, and First Bus, I wanted to hear from officers and continue to hit the ground running. My door will always be open.
“Working with local councils, it’s time to show people across the West of England what we can really do – so that people in Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire, can see, feel, and trust the difference that we’ll make together.”
