People have begun putting their names forward to be the first ever East Midlands Mayor as preparations start for setting up a new authority covering part of the region. Former Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Paddy Tipping, is among those who have formally expressed an interest in running for the job.
An agreement was signed last August between the Government and the leaders of Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council. The agreement will see a new East Midlands Combined County Authority (CCA) being set up, which will have special powers in areas such as transport and housing.
The organisation will be given £1.14 billion over 30 years and Ben Bradley, one of the leaders to sign the agreement, says preparations for creating this new authority are now underway. The East Midlands CCA will contain members from each of the four signatory councils and will be headed up by a new East Midlands Mayor.
