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.
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Two giant balloon dog sculptures by acclaimed international artist have landed in Leeds
A special Pride activation featuring internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Whatshisname has popped up in Leeds.
Marking 20 years of Leeds Pride and 10 years of Victoria Leeds, the exhibition called ‘Two milestones, One Pop of Pride’ is bringing a playful public art experience to the city.
The exhibition, curated by Castle Fine Art located in the Victoria Quarter, features a collection of artworks and oversized sculptures by the artist, whose distinctive creations have earned a global following.
The striking centrepiece of the activation is two of Whatshisname's iconic POPek Balloon Dog sculptures, one is positioned on the central mosaic in Victoria Quarter and the other outside John Lewis in Victoria Gate.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Victoria Leeds centre director, Jo Coburn, said: "This year presents a unique opportunity to celebrate two important milestones for Leeds. As we mark 10 years of Victoria Leeds and 20 years of Leeds Pride, we wanted to create something memorable that reflects the city's creativity, inclusivity and vibrant cultural scene. Whatshisname's work perfectly captures a sense of joy, individuality and self-expression, making it an ideal way to celebrate Pride with our visitors."
Artist, Whatshisname, said: "Bringing the POPek balloon dogs to such a vibrant and culturally rich city as Leeds is an absolute thrill for me. It’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since these playful, cheeky characters first came to life. Over the years, they’ve travelled the world, sparking smiles wherever they go.
“I can’t wait for the people of Leeds to interact with them, feel that sense of nostalgia and humour, and join us in the Victoria Leeds and Leeds Pride celebrations!"
The Whatshisname exhibition will be on display at Victoria Leeds until Monday 27 July.
10 of the best graduation deals in Leeds this celebration season
Clementine Hall
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.
Georgina Pellant -
11th May 2021 
