First day in job for West of England metro mayor

Helen Godwin won the mayoral election last week.

Author: Hannah RichardsonPublished 6th May 2025

It's officially the first day in office for the new metro mayor of the West of England Combined Authority.

Helen Godwin took victory last week, beating Reform UK's Arron Banks by around 6,000 votes.

We've been asking Helen what her priorities are for her term in office.

She said: "They start with public transport, also thinking how we get our bus network working, so they feel we have reliable buses.

"Also, looking at integrating tickets, so they can be used on all bus operators.

"Expanding our rail network, and how we build housing for people here and to make sure they are connected with new amenities.

"The other thing for me is all about skills, and how we offer pathways to careers for young people."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.