New deputies for Greater Manchester Combined Authority

Greater Manchester Combined Authority

New deputies are to be appointed to support those leading on Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

The leaders of the area's 10 local authorities, who make up the members of the combined authority, approved the proposal from interim Mayor of Greater Manchester Tony Lloyd at its meeting in Manchester on Friday (18 December).

Portfolio responsibilities are currently divided between the interim Mayor and the leaders of the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities, working in tandem with chief executives of the 10 and partner organisations such as Transport for Greater Manchester and the Manchester Growth Company.

Deputies will be selected from councillors with relevant experience, such as an executive post on their council or a Greater Manchester-wide body, nominated by the 10 local authority leaders. Subject to approval, final appointments will be determined by the GMCA when it meets on 29 January 2016.

Tony Lloyd said: "The breadth of work which is going on across Greater Manchester to support economic growth and improve people's lives through better health, transport and other opportunities, has increased in recent years - especially with developments in devolution.

"This has meant that there's a need to provide further leadership capacity to support existing portfolio holders to make sure we keep driving this agenda forwards effectively. I look forward to welcoming the new deputy portfolio holders to the team in the new year and working with them to help Greater Manchester realise its potential."

Existing lead responsibilities are as follows:

• Interim Mayor of Greater Manchester Tony Lloyd: Devolution, Public Sector Reform, Communications and Press
• Vice chairman Councillor Sean Anstee: Skills, Employment and Worklessness
• Vice chairwoman Councillor Sue Derbyshire: Planning, Housing and Environment; Low Carbon
• Vice chairman Sir Richard Leese: Economic strategy/growth deal, Rail North, HS2 and East-West transport strategy
• Councillor Mike Connolly: Police and Crime; Protect and Respond and Civil Contingencies
• Councillor Richard Farnell: Internationalisation and Marketing
• Councillor Jim McMahon: Transport
• Councillor Cliff Morris: Services for Children
• Councillor Kieran Quinn: Investment Strategy and Finance
• Lord Peter Smith: Health and Wellbeing
• City Mayor Ian Stewart: Business Support and Business Finance