The prime minister and local government secretary Robert Jenrick have spoken with the 'M9' metro mayors and the leader of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority about their role in the COVID-19 recovery and ending the national lockdown.
Regional growth minister Simon Clarke was also on the call, which saw prime minister Boris Johnson agree that the mayors 'have a vital leadership role to play in planning for the economic recovery'.
Mr Johnson pledged that he would unveil plans this week to lift the national lockdown restrictions, although the moves are likely to be gradual and come in phases as the Government seeks to avoid a second infection peak.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: 'The PM thanked the mayors for their incredible efforts in tackling this unprecedented public health and economic challenge.
'Clearly, as we get this whole country back on its feet, mayors should be at the forefront of local recovery and the Prime Minister welcomed today’s constructive discussion about what more we can do to support businesses and people in their areas.'
West of England Mayor, Tim Bowles, said: 'Everyone has been doing their bit to stop this virus spreading, and that has saved lives and protected our NHS. It's been an enormous effort, and it has worked, but it's had an unprecedented impact on our people's jobs, businesses and livelihoods. So now we need a clear plan to recover and renew the West of England's economy while avoiding the dangers of a second peak of the virus.
'That plan has been my focus in these past few weeks, allowing our councils to focus on the emergency at hand. Now the prime minister has asked me to accelerate that work to get our region moving again; from supporting our businesses, workers and their families, to getting our digital and transport networks right.
The M9 group of mayors consist of:
- Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester;
- Tim Bowles, West of England;
- Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne;
- Sadiq Khan, London;
- James Palmer, Peterborough and Cambridgeshire;
- Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region;
- Andy Street, West Midlands.
- Ben Houchen, Tees Valley and
- Dan Jarvis, Sheffield City Region
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