West Midlands Combined Authority election: 2 May 2024

This website provides information on the election and the role of the WMCA Mayor.

Elections – 2 May 2024

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 2 May 2024.

There will be elections on 2 May 2024 for the Combined Authority Mayor, Police and Crime Commissioner and in Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton there will also be local elections.

What is a combined authority Mayor?

The combined authority Mayor is the directly elected leader of a combined authority. The directly elected Mayor of the West Midlands chairs the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board. The combined authority consists of the seven constituent members of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) – Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. The Mayor chairs the combined authority and has powers and responsibilities to make strategic decisions across the whole region. This is in contrast to local council leaders who only make decisions for, and on behalf of, their local authority.

Why does the West Midlands have an elected combined authority Mayor?

The Mayor, in partnership with the combined authority, exercises the powers and functions set out in the West Midland’s devolution deal.

All devolution deals require areas to have a directly elected mayor. The Government believes the role ensures clear accountability over the powers, functions and funding that is devolved from national to local level.

A key part of the role is to act as an advocate and global ambassador for the West Midlands.

What does the WMCA do?

The Mayor leads the Combined Authority, working with partner authorities and stakeholders and chairs the WMCA Board.  The main functions of the Authority relate to Transport, Housing and Regeneration, Employment and Skills, Economic and Industrial strategy, Investment and Public Service Reform.

As the devolution agenda develops so the role of the Mayor is also expected to evolve, working with combined authority colleagues to deliver the best possible outcomes for the residents and businesses of the West Midlands.

The Mayor and the Combined Authority work with partners and Central Government to identify appropriate powers and functions that could be better exercised locally in addition to those already devolved with the overall aim of bringing inclusive growth to the West Midlands area.

How long will the combined authority Mayor be in office?

The term of office for the Mayor is four years and the next election will be in May 2028.