On 4 May 2017, an election will be held to elect a Mayor for the West Midlands Combined Authority. If you're not already registered to vote, go online to register today so you can have your say.

This is a new role and it is the first time voters in Wolverhampton will have the chance to elect a Combined Authority Mayor for the West Midlands who will act for every community in the region on key strategic issues.

The Mayor will work across the West Midlands Combined Authority region (which includes Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton) to provide a louder voice for local people.

The West Midlands Combined Authority came into being on 17 June 2016 as part of a government drive to give regions more control over their own spending and decisions. Part of this agreement includes having a directly elected Mayor who will be directly accountable to residents and for funding passed down from central government as part of devolution.

It is different to the role of Lord Mayors or civic Mayors who have a ceremonial role with no formal powers. A Mayor for the West Midlands will:

  • have control over new long term budgets from central government
  • implement transport investment and strategic planning, improve skills and invest in new homes
  • lobby on behalf of the West Midlands, on the issues that matter to local people not only in Westminster, but on the world stage
  • work with local business leaders to achieve what's best for local jobs and the economy
  • capitalise on local strengths and assets like our universities, scientific research and innovation
  • act as ambassadors to bring together businesses, public service providers and communities to improve the productivity and prosperity in the West Midlands.

If you want to vote in the mayoral election, you need to be registered by 13 April. You can register here. If you're already registered to vote, you don't need to register again.

Find out more about the West Midlands Combined Authority.

For information on elections and voting in Wolverhampton, visit our webpage.

Please take the time to view the short video which is featured below.
 

To find out more about electing a Mayor for the West Midlands, please visit www.wmcaelects.co.uk