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
You can watch The Traitors finale on a massive screen in Leeds next Friday
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens next Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Belgrave Music Hall, one of the city’s most beloved event spaces and bars, will be hosting a finale watching party and we’re all invited.
Taking place next Friday 23 January, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale which kicks off 9pm in the canteen.
Best part? The tickets are absolutely free and we've no doubt there'll be some banging drink deals on to get the party started.
We’re already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Belgrave said: "The world famous Traitors finale screening is back at Belgrave! In the past we've been graced with the presence of OG Faithful @theomayne1, plus our Clauds has been known to make an appearance (please scroll for evidence)... twists and turns are promised 👀"
So to give this series of The Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Belgrave Music Hall from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a huge gig in Halifax
Daisy Jackson
Hollywood Vampires are heading back out on tour, with a huge Yorkshire gig announced for this year.
The supergroup, which consists of one of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as one of rock’n’roll’s most iconic names, are set to perform at the AO Arena as part of a run of shows.
Hollywood Vampires is made up of A-lister Johnny Depp, as well as rock royalty including Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, plus Tommy Henriksen.
They last performed with an arena tour back in 2023, making these their first gigs in almost three years.
Hollywood Vampires have now announced a return to the stage, with a show at the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax on 22 August.
They’ll be supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who marked their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires announce Manchester gig. Credit: Aaron Perry
Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.
Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).
A Three Presale for tickets will take place from 10am on Wednesday 21 January, followed by a venue presale on Thursday 22 January, then general sale from 10am on Friday 23 January.
Georgina Pellant -
5th May 2021 
