Mayoral combined authority confirmed for Hull & East Yorkshire

Voters will head to the polls in May 2025 to elect a figurehead, following the laying of an order in parliament clearing the path to devolution.

The order marks a significant step forward for the formation of the Hull and East Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, as Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire look to follow others in region in gaining greater local control in areas such as transport.

York & North Yorkshire became the latest part of the region to augment a combined authority earlier this year, with David Skaith becoming its first mayor in May.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority has been the driving force in getting a £2.5bn mass transit system up the political agenda, while South Yorkshire’s MCA has also pushed hard on transport, from bus control to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

The inaugural mayor will be chosen on Thursday 1 May 2025, with elections then taking place every four years.

Interim chief executive of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Alan Menzies, said: “It’s fantastic to see this landmark step in the devolution process.

“We look forward to working with the new authority to ensure that devolution delivers real benefits and unlocks investment for our region.

“We will work closely with the new authority and Hull City Council, to manage the election and to maximise the benefits of devolution in the years ahead.”

Hull City Council chief executive Matt Jukes said: “I am delighted that we have moved another step closer to unlocking vital empowerment and investment for our region, which are two  of the many benefits that devolution will bring.

“The creation of the Hull and East Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority will bring with it more powers to make big decisions locally.

“Representatives from the city council are helping to form the MCA, and we are working hard with our colleagues in the East Riding to make the preparations for the Mayoral election.”

Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council will both retain their independence, continuing their work as separate councils as normal alongside the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority.

While the local authorities remain in charge of day-to-day issues, the MCA will have an over-arching strategic role and take on powers relating to transport, where it will become the Local Transport Authority for the area, allowing it to develop a single strategic transport plan for the North Bank of the Humber.

A £400m investment fund will be available to the MCA, money reallocated from central government.