With devolution on its way, various leading politicians are mulling over whether to stand for the powerful new position of Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.
The successful candidate will command a huge budget and determine strategy for the whole region in areas like transport and housing.
Completely different to the ceremonial position of Lord Mayor of York, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire will have to be elected.
And one of the first to declare she wants to be a candidate is Zoë Metcalfe.
The North Yorkshire and York Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has confirmed that she will be putting her name forward for selection to be the Conservative candidate for York and North Yorkshire Mayor election.
“This is a really exciting role that I am uniquely qualified to do,” she said. “The Mayor will have responsibility for economic growth, transport, housing and regeneration, but will also see the integration of the responsibilities and decision making of my current role as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner within it too.
“There is a rich synergy between creating safer streets and economic growth, two areas that I am passionate about.
“I have the necessary business experience and close links to Westminster to promote economic growth.
“I will also continue the great work I have started in turning around community safety in York and North Yorkshire and I will see through the transformation of both the police force and fire and rescue service.
“I have always been a supporter of devolution as it will bring many exciting opportunities for York and North Yorkshire.
“It will be a great platform to enable and enrich the lives of our residents and businesses bringing hundreds of millions of pounds worth of investment into our region.”
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