Over the past year, we’ve started something genuinely new for our region. Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority is more than a change to local government – it’s a fresh start. We have the chance to shape an organisation that’s built for the future, designed to do things differently, and determined to deliver for our communities.
From day one, my focus has been on building the foundations. This work hasn’t always been visible, but it has been vital. Establishing a Combined Authority from the ground up means putting the right structures, partnerships and priorities in place so that the decisions we make stand the test of time. If we want devolution to be transformative for Hull and East Yorkshire over the next 20 to 30 years, our foundations need to be solid.
Since I was elected, my team has started to shape a programme of work that reflects the ambition of our region. Devolution gives us the power to make decisions closer to home, but it comes with responsibility. This opportunity is too important to rush and too valuable to waste. My task is to build an organisation that listens, that collaborates, and that works in partnership with businesses, local councils, public services, education providers and communities across Hull and East Yorkshire.
Every step we take is geared towards long-term growth. The first year has been about setting the course – bringing people together, defining our priorities and establishing the Combined Authority as a confident voice for the region.
Now, with those foundations in place, we’re ready to deliver.
