The first Deputy Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is set to be a city councillor.
Mayor David Skaith has proposed Jo Coles to be his Deputy Mayor for Police, Fire and Crime.
Ms Coles was elected to City of York Council in 2023 and represents Westfield Ward.
After being elected on 3 May, Mr Skaith took legal responsibility for the policing, fire and crime responsibilities previously held by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire.
As Mayor, these responsibilities can be delegated to a Deputy Mayor for Police, Fire and Crime.
He said: “In my plan for York and North Yorkshire I promised to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, in particular focusing on the root causes.
“In a few days I will officially propose Jo Coles to the Police, Fire and Crime Panel as my preferred appointee to the role of Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime.
“I want to invest in our services, to keep people being safe and feeling safe in our urban, rural and coastal areas alike. I believe Jo would be a brilliant member of our team in helping us to achieve this.
“Jo’s experience at City of York Council shows her to be a dedicated public servant committed to helping people across all communities.”
Born near Malton, Ms Coles grew up in York before starting a political career. Over 20 years, roles have included posts in Westminster and the north of England such as chief of staff for Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper MP, and adviser to then MP Ed Balls.
She was also head of communications and campaigns for Crest Advisory, a consultancy dedicated to crime and justice, for almost four years.
Jo Coles will be put forward for consideration by the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel at a confirmation hearing on 12 June.
Changes to the top team
Cllr Coles was executive member for health, wellbeing and adult social care on City of York Council.
Her imminent appointment has left a vacancy and Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw takes over that role in a reshuffled top team at the council.
The transport and economic roles, previously both held by deputy council leader Pete Kilbane, have now been separated.
Cllr Kilbane will now lead on economic growth, while Cllr Kate Ravilious will take over the transport brief. A leading light in the York Cycle Campaign, she previously job shared the environment and climate emergency brief.
And the council’s youngest councillor, Anna Baxter, will step up to work on the equalities, human rights and inclusion agenda in a new job-share arrangement with finance lead, Cllr Katie Lomas.
Council leader Cllr Claire Douglas said: “I’m pleased to be able to confirm my executive for the next 12 months and look forward to building on the real achievements of the past year. Labour is delivering on a number of key manifesto pledges and making good progress on many others.
“I’m confident with the team we have we’ll continue to make great strides. The financial picture remains extremely tough and we’re showing, despite this, we can still deliver positive results for the people of York.
“Structuring executive as I have leaves us best positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the new York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, including the £540m in devolved Mayoral Investment Funding coming in to our region.
“I’d like to thank Jo for the fantastic work she’s done in tackling some embedded issues within adult social care, her skills, insight and being a fantastic colleague to work with.
“Her new role is well deserved and I look forward to continuing to work with her as she remains a city councillor and local champion for Westfield ward.
“I also welcome Lucy and Anna to the Executive team and look forward to what they will offer the team and city in two vital areas of the council’s responsibilities”.