Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire

An exciting change is coming… Introducing the Weaver Network - a transport network made to measure for West Yorkshire! Our new name is a promise to everyone that wherever you’re going, we’ll get you there 🚲🚌 westyorks-ca.gov.uk/all-news…

The privatisation of water has failed our communities. Household bills are set to rise by more than 40%, after years of underinvestment while shareholders and executives have continued to benefit. I've long called for elected Mayors to have greater powers to hold water companies to account, influence their operations and ensure money raised through fines goes back into the communities affected by sewage pollution. Through our new regional water council, we'll keep pushing for Yorkshire Water to put people first, protect our rivers and deliver a greener, more affordable future for West Yorkshire. 💧 gov.uk/government/news/commu…

Combined with keeping a share of income tax and business rates, an Overnight Visitor Levy could be a game changer for West Yorkshire. Money raised and spent here, without interference from Whitehall, means we can deliver further and faster on safer streets, better transport, more vibrant communities and more to do across our region. A small contribution from visitors can help build a brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.

Sad to hear of the passing of Geoffrey Richmond, former Bradford City chairman. He brought ambition to Valley Parade and gave Bantams fans memories that will last a lifetime, including that unforgettable rise to the Premier League. My thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at the club.

As Yorkshire Water enters a period of new leadership, I'll be holding the board to account on how it plans to improve and rebuild the evaporated confidence of the public. That has to include a radical new approach to transparency and investment. The company simply cannot continue to siphon off millions of pounds in hidden bonuses and shareholder payments, all while dumping sewage at record levels and asking the public to pick up the cost of repairing infrastructure. I will also be asking the Prime Minister and the Environment Secretary for the public control we need to truly hold Yorkshire Water to account, including having a real say over its operations and the ability to impose and direct fines, so we can support those communities hit hardest by pollution. More broadly, the privatisation of water has been a disaster. Regardless of your politics, it simply does not make sense to privatise an industry where there is no competition and where the public are a captive market - forced to rely on one failing provider with no alternative. All options must be on the table - costed and considered so we can finally clean up this mess and move forward as a country. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckzd…

RIP Sir Patrick - a proud Yorkshireman whose journey from Mirfield to international stardom showed the extraordinary power of creativity and opportunity. From his early love of Shakespeare, nurtured by teachers in West Yorkshire, he went on to become one of the world's most celebrated actors. Beyond the stage and screen, he used his childhood experiences of domestic violence to raise awareness and support survivors. Yorkshire has lost a legend - and one of its greatest ambassadors.

We've known for months that @YorkshireWater would be hit with the worst possible environmental rating. Why? - 🚨 260 recorded pollution incidents, up 72% - ⚠️ 13 “serious” incidents - 💸 An £88.8 million penalty Meanwhile… - 💰 A third £660,000 bonus for the CEO - 📈 Bills up 41% by 2030 - 🏦 £81.5 million paid to shareholders We’ve privatised the gains and socialised the costs of our water industry. The evidence is clear. It’s time for public control of water.💧 @andyburnham @angelaeagle yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/opi…

My response to the Chancellor's Autumn Budget.

Self-employed people deserve parental pay. For years, I have campaigned for changes to an inflexible, outdated system that leaves many without support at such a vital time. So I am thrilled that government is extending parental pay to more than 150,000 additional parents. moneysavingexpert.com/news/2…

This government knows devolution is working - and West Yorkshire is a prime example of that. We know our own areas best, so having more local control over where money is spent will ensure it has the best impact possible in every postcode. yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/n…

Bradford is getting a brand-new train station 🚆 I told @BBCLookNorth what this is going to mean for the city and our plans for transport ⬇️

Bradford is getting a brand-new station 🚆 Today the Government has confirmed a new station at Bradford Interchange, putting our city at the heart of Northern Powerhouse Rail. That means more trains, quicker journeys across the North, and up to £1 billion boost for our economy. A city this ambitious deserves a station to match. Now we’re getting one.

This ironclad commitment to a new station is an important milestone for Bradford.🤝🚆 The city has so much untapped potential, and faster, more frequent trains to Leeds and Manchester, alongside the transformation of its centre, will help to finally unleash it.💪

Where you grow up shouldn’t decide how far you go. Yet the findings of the @ChildrensComm are clear – while talent is everywhere, opportunity isn’t. Bradford has successfully reduced its share of 16 to 17-year-olds not in education or employment from 6.8% to 4%, but we could do so much more with the right powers and funding to join up services at a local level. For too long, our national politics has worked for some places and not others. Now is the time to invest in the futures of those growing up in the UK’s youngest city to give them a fair chance to flourish. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmd7…

Good luck @WTrinityRL for tonight’s @SuperLeague Grand Final 💪🏆 You’re doing West Yorkshire proud 👏

Heckmondwike bus station is now open. ✅ Our first Weaver Network bus station will make people's journeys better with: 💺 More indoor seats 📍 Detailed bus information 👩‍🦼 A Changing Places toilet Find out more: westyorks-ca.gov.uk/news/wes…

This news signals a national belief in West Yorkshire’s economic future. As home to leading financial and professional services sectors, backed by a strong pipeline of local talent, national and international institutions are looking to our region as the place to invest and grow

I'm proud to be part of this important work to tackle misogyny. If we’re serious about ending violence against women and girls, we must challenge the behaviours underpinning it. I’ll bring West Yorkshire's voice and experience to the table, working together for lasting change. gov.uk/government/news/gover…

Wishing an easy fast to our Jewish community who observe Yom Kippur.

Heckmondwike bus station is officially open with: 💺 More indoor seats 📍 Detailed bus info 🚾 Toilets 👩‍🦼 Changing Places facility This is the first bus station in our Weaver Network, connecting people and places across West Yorkshire.