Polls open to elect Hull and East Yorkshire mayor

Polling stations have opened to elect the first mayor for the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined County Authority.

Six candidates are contesting for the inaugural position to represent more than 610,000 people living in the region.

Registered voters will be able to cast their ballots from 07:00 to 22:00 BST on Thursday.

The result is expected to be announced at the East Riding Leisure Centre Haltemprice on Friday.

As head of the authority, the mayor will serve for four years in the role, where they will make decisions on housing, public transport, infrastructure, economic development, business, skills and regeneration.

They will serve as a direct link to Westminster and act as a political figurehead who can lobby the government for funding and secure investment for the region.

The position was established after a devolution deal was approved by government in September for the creation of the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority, which brings together Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

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