Naz Shah backs fellow Labour MP Tracy Brabin for West Yorkshire mayor role

In a video message posted today, Ms Shah described the Batley & Spen MP as a "formidable campaigner".

I’m endorsing @TracyBrabin to become the West Yorkshire Mayor. Tracy is a formidable campaigner, someone that I have first-hand experience working with and someone I know, will ensure that no one is left behind in West Yorkshire. #TeamTracy pic.twitter.com/bRgnyXSoAz

— Naz Shah MP (@NazShahBfd) October 24, 2020

She said: "She’s an amazing woman, I have seen her work first-hand as an MP, as a Minister for Early Years, we’ve worked together on women’s rights."

She said Ms Brabin would make sure women's voices are heard and nobody is left behind.

“She will absolutely use that enthusiasm to make sure, more than ever, now, when that divide between the North and the South has been laid bare throughout the Covid crisis and the way the Government has behaved, she needs to be that voice to make sure that she gets the right support for West Yorkshire," said Ms Shah.

Who else is in the running for West Yorkshire mayor?

Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe is standing as a candidate, along with fellow Labour members Hugh Goulbourne and Peter Judge, who is a former Calderdale councillor.

Andrew Cooper, Green Party councillor for Newsome, is standing for the position, while Bob Buxton, of the Yorkshire Party, has also thrown his hat into the ring. 

The Conservative Party has yet to announce a candidate.