Former Coronation Street actor Tracy Brabin has been confirmed as the first-ever West Yorkshire metro mayor.
Taking home 59.8% of the vote, she now lays claim to the title of first female metro mayor in England.
But many may not know that, before launching her political career, Brabin was a successful actress and television writer - appearing in a host of tv, film and theatre productions.
The politician has appeared on popular TV soaps EastEnders, Casualty, Holby City, Doctors and Emmerdale, but is best known for her role as Coronation Street's Tricia Armstrong from 1994 to 1997.
She first arrived on the Cobbles as Tricia, when her son Jamie was suspected of shoplifting at Bettabuy.
Moving to the street permanently in 1995, she lived at number 1 and famously went to prison in the show for not paying her TV license. She went on to give birth to her second son, Brad, in the Rovers Return after concieving him in a one night stand with Jack Duckworth.
Tracy Brabin was in Corrie from 1994 to 1997
Now, she will be overseeing the region of 2.3 million people with her new role giving her greater powers over transport and crime across Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees, Bradford and Wakefield.
Thanking the people of West Yorkshire in her acceptance speech, she said: “Growing up on a council estate, I never imagined I’d be elected to represent my community in parliament let alone the first ever woman metro mayor in the country – our politics is better with women at the top table.”
"Whether you voted for me or any of the other candidates, I will work to make West Yorkshire better for you and your family. It is an honour that I just can’t put into words to be standing here today as the first-ever mayor of our wonderful, dynamic and creative West Yorkshire region."
Brabin has already been the MP Batley and Spen MP for the past five years, elected to the seat following the murder of sitting MP Jo Cox by a far-right terrorist in June 2016.
The Labour politician was confirmed as the victor in West Yorkshire's inaugural mayoral elections late on Sunday 9th May, giving a much-needed boost to Kier Starmer's opposition party following a string of losses including the 'safe' seat of Hartlepool, held by the party since 1964.
Leeds city councillor and Conservative candidate Matthew Robinson was runner-up with 40.2%, with the Yorkshire party's Bob Buxton coming in third place - ahead of both the Greens and Liberal Democrats.
Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
Her election to the new position, however, triggers a by-election in her Batley and Spen constituency - as her mayoral role's new powers over police and crime conflict with electoral commission rules for sitting MPs.
The estimated date for this, according to Labour party sources, is currently 22nd July. With the Conservatives setting their sites on Batley Spen as a key northern marginal,
In her new position as the West Yorkshire metro mayor, she should also be responsible for planning - but this election the government took one of the big powers away from the West Yorkshire mayor.
The ability to make a strategic plan and raise an infrastructure tariff has been removed from her remit, with the government saying it wants to first reform them nationally before giving them back.
What has she promised?
Job creation is her main priority, with a focus on rebuilding the local economy following job losses resulting from Covid.
In a pledge that echoes that of her Labour colleague and newly re-elected Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, she has also pledged to improve transport infrastructure.
Brabin has made commitments to bring buses back into public control and organise a new mass transit system linking together Leeds, Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax and Bradford.
The BBC reports that there is already £4.2bn ready for a tram system for West Yorkshire, with her new role worth an additional £1bn - making it the biggest devolution deal in the country.
Her appointment as mayor also makes her a figurehead for the region, meaning she will be expected to stand up for West Yorkshire and hold the government to account.
Given how she handled the very public pile on regarding her parliament outfit choice in early 2020, though, we expect she's got the mettle to pull this off.
News
A huge football fan zone with space for up to 1,000 fans has opened in Leeds
Trinity Leeds is transforming Trinity Kitchen into the ultimate space to watch all the World Cup 2026 action together.
Looking for somewhere to cheer on England in the 2026 World Cup? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.
Foodie hotspot Trinity Kitchen has been completely transformed into the ultimate fan zone with space for up to 1,000 cheering fans.
And they’ve made sure that nobody misses out on the action.
There are three super-sized 5x3m screens dotted around the space, so wherever you go you won’t miss out on a goal.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There’s also a brand-new bar courtesy of local favourites Northern Monk named the ‘Northern Monk Trinity Tap’.
The tap will feature two, seven-metre bars with a whopping 20 beer taps to keep you refreshed and hydrated during the tournament, because cheering the lads on really can be thirsty work.
If you don’t fancy a beer there’s also cocktails, wine and soft drinks on offer as well - so nobody has to miss out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Feeling peckish? Of course there’s 11 street food vendors serving match day meals and snacks to keep you fuelled through the games.
Choose from Caribbean jerk chicken from Jerk Junction, Indian street food from Rolawala and loads more.
Entry is completely free but if you’re after a reserved seat on a table, tickets cost just £10.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Josie Towning, Food and Beverage Manager at Trinity Leeds, said: “Trinity Kitchen will operate as normal during the day, transforming into a football fan zone in the evening.
“It will be one of the biggest World Cup venues in Leeds with three huge screens showing the games live and more dotted around Trinity Kitchen. There will be live roaming brass bands and DJs turning every England fixture into a true celebration.
“Fans can turn up and grab a space for free and we will also be offering table bookings for England games for those who want to guarantee the best spots to watch the drama unfold.
“Our line-up of street food vendors will serve bold flavours from around the world, while the all-new Northern Monk Trinity Tap will pour award-winning craft beers across 20 taps, making Trinity Kitchen the ultimate place to eat, drink and experience every unforgettable World Cup moment."
It’s all kicking off on Wednesday 17 June for England v Croatia. So rally your mates together, get your England shirts on and grab your tickets here.
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
News
Dishoom announces official opening date for new Leeds restaurant
Clementine Hall
It's the moment we've all been waiting for, Dishoom is coming to Leeds.
The whispers of Dishoom's arrival in Leeds city centre have been going on for a while now, but over the past few weeks it has started to feel very real.
Taking over the beautiful old Flannel's site on the coveted Vicar Lane, signs started to pop up for Dishoom and work was cracking on fast.
Well now, we have an opening date - and we don't have long to wait.
Dishoom Leeds will open on Monday 3 August, with guests being able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period, ahead of the official opening on Friday 14 August.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As with every Dishoom café, the Leeds restaurant begins with a story. This one takes inspiration from the extraordinary true events surrounding the explosion of the SS Fort Stikine in Bombay Dock in April 1944, a wartime disaster that sent gold bars flying across the city.
Legend has it that some of the missing gold was never recovered. Some was discovered embedded in walls and rooftops across Bombay. Other pieces quietly disappeared into the hands of lucky citizens, melted into bangles or hidden away in drawers.
Dishoom Leeds reimagines the fortune made from the gold bars and guests will discover subtle references to the glamorous mid-century details through the interiors and artwork, giving playful nods to Bombay’s golden age.
With all day dining available, guests can dine on the beloved breakfast right through to late evening feasting, with the café will serve a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food inspired by the city’s cafés, grills, street stalls and family kitchens.
Shamil Thakrar, co-founder, also known as Head Babu, at Dishoom, said: “Leeds is a city with tremendous warmth, creativity and character, full of people who know the value of gathering together over good food and drinks. Bringing Dishoom here has long been a dream for us.”
"The story behind this café is rooted in one of Bombay’s most extraordinary moments – the day gold bars fell from the sky after the explosion of Fort Stikine in 1944. Amidst the tragedy and chaos, there were also tales of unexpected fortune, human resilience and hopeful reinvention. We were captivated by this, and we cannot wait to welcome Leeds into the café that pays homage to the heritage of Bombay.”
Georgina Pellant -
11th May 2021 
