TWO SENIOR Solihull councillors have been included in the West Midlands mayor’s top team for the forthcoming year.
Following this month’s local council elections, mayor Andy Street has announced those who will serve on the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board.
Ex-Solihull Council leader Bob Sleigh will remain deputy mayor and newly elected leader Ian Courts will serve as board member for the environment and HS2.
New portfolios have also been introduced to place a renewed emphasis on climate change, culture, and the region’s digital advances.
The mayor claims the high-speed rail link is vital to the West Midlands’ growth and has tasked Coun Courts with making sure all the benefits of the new line are capitalised on.
Coun Courts’ role is also dedicated to tackling climate change in the region.
Coun Sleigh will serve as the portfolio holder for finance.
Mr Street, who has been Mayor since 2017, said: “The local elections has given us a chance to review our portfolios.
“With climate change requiring urgent action, digital advances continuing to revolutionise the way we live and work, and our cultural and creative sector ramping up ahead of Coventry’s year as the UK’s City of Culture in 2021, we felt it was time to reshape the team.
“With explicit briefs I am confident the new portfolio holders will achieve great success for the region.
“Collaborative working is the key to achieving this success, which is why we have appointed such a diverse team with wide-ranging views, taking in political leaders and leading lights from across the West Midlands.”
The WMCA has welcomed four newly elected council leaders onto the board.
These portfolio holders will work alongside the combined authority’s taskforces, which include groups dedicated to tackling homelessness and improving the fortune of high streets.
Two others staying put are Coun George Duggins, the leader of Coventry City Council, who remains in charge of skills and productivity.
The WMCA was set up in 2016 with a 30-year £8billion investment package and powers devolved from government over strategic transport, housing, skills, digital technology and more.
