Greater Manchester interim 'metro mayor' to be selected

Wigan Council leader Peter Smith and Greater Manchester's Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd are standing for the role

Greater Manchester's interim mayor is expected to be chosen later by a panel representing the region's councils.

Tony Lloyd, Greater Manchester's police and crime commissioner (PCC), and the leader of Wigan Council Peter Smith will be interviewed for the role.

In November, Chancellor George Osborne announced plans for an elected mayor in charge of the region's devolved powers.

The interim mayor, chosen by vote, will take on the role in June until a mayoral election takes place in 2017.

The eventual mayor will oversee policies such as transport, social care and housing as well as police budgets.

In Wednesday's Queen's Speech, written by the government, the Queen said the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill would "provide for the devolution of powers to cities with elected metro mayors, helping to build a 'Northern powerhouse'."

In 2012, Manchester voted against having an elected mayor.

Lord Smith said he was standing for the interim role on his "record in local government" and his experience as chair of Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Mr Lloyd, who was elected as PCC in November 2012, called it a "challenge I am ready for".

Greater Manchester

• Metropolitan area formed in 1974

• Made up of 10 councils: Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan

• Population is about 2.7 million

• Covers an area of about 500 sq miles

• Has an economy bigger than Wales or Northern Ireland

• Designated a City Region in 2011 when the Greater Manchester Combined Authority was established