South Yorkshire mayor promises to "unlock potential" after meeting new Chancellor
Oliver Coppard has held conversations with Chancellor Rachel Reeves, around local growth
The mayor of South Yorkshire has said he will work with the new Labour government to "unlock" the potential of the county.
Oliver Coppard has held virtual talks with new Chancellor Rachel Reeves to discuss funding projects.
He was unable to attend a meeting with mayors in Leeds in person after testing positive for coronavirus.
Rachel Reeves met with Oliver Coppard, West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith to discuss moving powers out of Westminster.
A readout said: "With the promise of new “freedoms and flexibilities” in next week’s King’s Speech, the Mayors hope to be empowered to boost economic growth and deliver record numbers of jobs, through bold action on skills, transport, housebuilding and supporting businesses."
Speaking after her visit to Leeds today, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, said:
“Economic growth is a national mission and my top priority. To achieve it we must fix the foundations of the economy and reset our relationship with local leaders. That starts with the grown-up conversations like we’ve had today.
“Through partnership with the Mayors in Yorkshire, we are entrusting them to deliver change for their communities, secure investment and power growth so that people here feel better off."
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire's Mayor, said:
“I’m delighted that in her first week in the job, the Chancellor has come back to Yorkshire to begin a conversation about how we can work together to grow our economy, and create real opportunity for everyone across South Yorkshire.
“The tone and approach of Rachel, Keir and Angela in this first few days is making real their commitment to deliver power, control and hope back to communities across the north.
“Today we agreed to quickly work together to unlock the potential of South Yorkshire. We’re home to the largest cleantech cluster in the UK and the world's first and best advanced manufacturing innovation district. By working with government to capitalise on our unique strengths, we can deliver on our shared promise that everyone can stay near and go far.”