Greater Manchester mayoral election date confirmed as May 2017

Greater Manchester Interim Mayor Tony Lloyd

Residents in the borough will help choose Greater Manchester's first directly-elected mayor next year, the government has confirmed.

The election will take place on 4 May 2017 and then every four years.

The role is part of a devolution deal, giving local politicians control over £2bn of public money.

The government said the mayor would provide the "local accountability needed with the new powers being devolved".

The mayor will lead the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, made up of the area's 10 local council leaders, which will control budgets for areas such as transport, skills and housing.

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd has taken on the role of interim mayor until the election.