Mayor the merrier after No 10 meeting

BURNHAM AMONG REGIONAL LEADERS HAILING A 'NEW ERA' IN POLITICS

- STEPHEN TOPPING

ENGLAND'S metro mayors shared a cheerful image from Downing Street reminiscent of the Oscars selfie as they welcomed a 'new era' in politics.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham was among the regional leaders who met with new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer yesterday.

Eleven of England's 12 directly-elected metro mayors attended the meeting, including Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen, the only Conservative politician holding the role.

As the group left Number 10, they posed for a selfie taken by West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin.

The former Coronation Street actress shared the photo on X with the caption: "A new era."

Ms Brabin added: "Today's meeting at 10 Downing Street marked a welcome step change in the relationship between mayors and government, and a recognition of the role we play in driving change across the country.

"We had a productive discussion about how we will grow our economies and put money back into people's pockets, build new homes and improve local transport.