This week sees a big change in West Yorkshire as voters go to the polls tomorrow.
Residents will be asked to elect their first ever metro-mayor for the region, as well as taking part in local councillor elections.
In what is set to be a busy day for elections, around 48 million people will be casting various ballots across the country this Thursday, May 6th.
What elections are being held in West Yorkshire?
There are two elections being held in the region, with councillors being elected to serve on local councils and the first-ever West Yorkshire mayoral election taking place.
The new metro mayor for West Yorkshire will chair and lead the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, absorbing some of the previous responsibilities of the West Yorkshire police and crime commissioner..
This role will now include appointing the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police and raising the portion of council tax which helps fund the police.
When do polling stations open?
Polling stations will be open between 7am to 10pm.
At polling stations, voters will need to wear face coverings – unless medically exempt – and social distancing measures will be widely enforced.
Voters are encouraged to bring their own pens or pencils to mark ballot papers.
Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, there will also be emergency measures for people who have tested positive prior, or who have been forced to self-isolate.
Under this circumstance, an emergency proxy can be appointed up to 5pm on polling day.
Who is running for the first West Yorkshire Mayor?
The candidates for the first West Yorkshire mayoral election are:
Tracy Brabin - Labour
Bob Buxton - Yorkshire Party
Andrew Cooper - Green
Stewart Golton - Liberal Democrats
Matthew Robinson - Conservative
Waj Ali - Reform UK
Thérèse Hirst - English Democrats
Where do I go to vote?
Local polling stations may have moved this year so it's worth checking where your allocated station is ahead of time.
The details of this should be on your poll card, delivered to your address. If you've lost it, you can check your allotted station here.
The deadline to register for postal votes has now passed.
When will we know the results?
Following the election, voters will have a three-day wait to find out who their new mayor is.
Due to social distancing rules, the count for West Yorkshire mayor will take place on Sunday May 9th.
Ballots will be verified on Friday, then sealed and stored securely until Sunday when the count will take place
A spokesperson for the council said: "The elections for the West Yorkshire mayor will take place on 9 May 2021.
"All five constituent councils will be counting with reduced staff due to social distancing measures.
"It is anticipated the count will take longer than usual, however no timings have been confirmed at present."
News
10 of the best graduation deals in Leeds this celebration season
You’ve spent over three years studying and now it’s time to say celebrate so we’ve rounded up some of the best places in Leeds for you to do so.
Those all-nighters in the library are now a distant memory.
It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you’ve put in over the years and what better way to spend it than eating delicious food and raising a toast to yourself.
Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends or a loved one. We’ve sorted you some of the best deals on offer, from free glasses of beer Prosecco, to 2 for 1 cocktails and discounted set menus.
Tattu
29 E Parade, LS1 5PS
Images: The Manc Group
The ‘Power of Wisdom’ set menus are available for £37.50 for lunch and £45.50 for dinner, with graduates receiving an ‘Elixir of Life cocktail’, or a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Enjoy three courses with a glass of Prosecco on arrival for £55; you can even upgrade to the proper stuff and pay an extra tenner for Moët & Chandon Champagne for each person.
Fancy Italian? Freshly crowned graduates dining from the special set menu can enjoy a bonus Bellini to toast their success.
Flight Club
1-2 S Parade, LS1 5QL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a congratulations to the city’s graduating students, Flight Club has lined up a treat for the class of 2026. Any guest with a valid student ID or graduation certificate can raise a toast to the celebrations with a complimentary bottle of prosecco for the group when they book a game of Social Darts.
CrowdedHouse
Level 5 & 6, Trinity Centre, 70 Boar Ln, LS1 6HW
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Enjoy your celebrations whilst taking in jaw dropping panoramic views of the city at Leeds' newest rooftop hangout. Their set menu offering two courses for £26 or three courses for £30 is not one to be missed.
Book a table at one of Leeds' most celebrated restaurants and enjoy a free glass of prosecco as a cheers to you. Available until Sunday 16 July and you must mention graduation when booking.
Uyare
Victoria Gate 3rd Floor, Rooftop, George St, LS2 7AU
Image: The Hoot Leeds
As a graduate, you can enjoy 15% off your bill when you book with the code 'GRADUATESOF26'. Plus, you'll receive a complimentary glass of prosecco to toast the occasion.
Banksia
2 Lower Briggate, LS1 4AE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
At this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, graduates will eat for free - now that is an offer. Enjoy the special graduate set menu priced at £39 for three courses, with graduates eating for free with two paying customers.
Enjoy Blackhouse Gastrobar's fabulous steaks and seasonal dishes with a free glass of prosecco for every graduate, plus if you're a table of six you'll get an entire bottle on the house. We'll cheers to that.
Sheffield sisters open second matcha cafe just months after launching their first
Clementine Hall
There's just no stopping these sisters, as The Matcha Spot announces second site.
Yes, it's another matcha story but we've got to say, we're very excited about this one.
Let's back track to last year when The Matcha Spot popped up in The Moor and made a name for themselves for selling the most wonderful green creations in the city.
Fast forward to February, they opened up their first permanent spot in the city centre on Campo Lane which was a resounding success.
Images: The Sheff
Their focus is serving good quality matcha in all shapes and sizes, our personal favourite being the blondie matcha that is the perfect afternoon pick me up.
It's become such a success, that The Matcha Spot sisters are now opening a second site in Sheffield just months after opening their first.
The Matcha Spot 2.0 will be located on Ecclesall Road and will be opening next month, so we really don't have long to wait.
Image: The Sheff
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, The Matcha Spot said: "Our second home is here! Thank you SO much for all your support!! We’re so excited to be opening our second location for you to get your matcha fix…..
"281 Ecclesall Road. Coming soon."
We couldn't be happier for the girls, and we couldn't think of anyone more deserving of the success. We'll see you on the opening date ready and raring to get our hands on a white chocolate and raspberry matcha.
Georgina Pellant -
5th May 2021 
