Police commissioner in mayoral bid

GREATER Manchester police and crime commissioner Tony Lloyd is hoping to become the region’s new Interim Mayor.

The mayoralty is the first step in the devolution of powers to Greater Manchester under the “DevoManc” deal agreed by the Government and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

It comes ahead of the changes in primary legislation required for the creation of the new mayor likely to be elected in May 2017.

Mr Lloyd was elected to his current post in November 2012 and if successful will take only one salary while combining both jobs.

He said: “All eyes are now on Greater Manchester. Some are hoping we succeed and prove devolved Government can deliver a more equal and prosperous Britain, but there will be some waiting for it to fail. That brings a great responsibility for us and all England’s city and county regions and it’s a challenge I am ready for.”