Ramos Leo
The newly constituted Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) cabinet is designed to be a collaborative powerhouse, working closely with local authorities, businesses, and communities to ensure that the benefits of devolution are felt by all residents. Each portfolio holder has been carefully selected for their expertise, commitment, and ability to contribute to a cohesive vision for the city-region. The cabinet’s structure underscores Burnham’s long-standing priorities, including the creation of a London-style integrated transport network, the eradication of homelessness, a green industrial revolution, and the equitable distribution of opportunities.
At the heart of the new team is Councillor Sarah Davies, who assumes the role of Deputy Mayor for Policy and Strategy. A highly respected figure in regional politics, Councillor Davies brings a wealth of experience from her long tenure as Leader of Wigan Council, where she championed community-led initiatives and oversaw significant regeneration projects. Her strategic acumen and deep understanding of local government will be instrumental in coordinating the cabinet’s overarching policy direction, ensuring synergy across portfolios, and embedding long-term strategic thinking into the GMCA’s work. Her appointment is a clear signal of the Mayor’s intent to strengthen strategic oversight and foster closer collaboration between the GMCA and individual borough councils. Councillor Davies will be tasked with translating the Mayor’s ambitious vision into actionable policies, navigating complex inter-borough dynamics, and ensuring Greater Manchester’s voice is heard effectively at a national level, particularly concerning future devolution settlements and funding allocations.
Taking on the crucial responsibility for public safety and community well-being, Councillor Alex Reed has been appointed as Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, and Fire. Councillor Reed, who previously served as a lead member for community safety in Stockport, brings a robust background in tackling local crime issues and fostering community resilience. This role is paramount given the Mayor’s direct accountability for Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. Councillor Reed’s mandate will include overseeing the strategic direction of both services, driving forward reforms to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, and ensuring they are responsive to the needs of all communities. A key focus will be on preventative approaches to crime, addressing the root causes of anti-social behaviour, and ensuring victims are at the heart of the justice system. The Deputy Mayor will also lead efforts to strengthen community policing, harness technological advancements in crime fighting, and promote collaborative working between emergency services and partner organisations, solidifying the Mayor’s commitment to making Greater Manchester a safer place to live, work, and visit.
The economic engine of Greater Manchester will be overseen by Councillor David Chen, who steps into the role of Portfolio Lead for Economy, Business, and Innovation. Councillor Chen, known for his work in driving economic growth in Manchester city centre, possesses a keen understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing the region’s diverse business landscape. His remit will encompass attracting inward investment, fostering a thriving start-up ecosystem, supporting existing businesses to innovate and grow, and ensuring Greater Manchester remains a competitive global player post-Brexit. A core focus will be on developing high-value sectors such as digital technology, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences, while also ensuring that economic growth is inclusive, creating well-paid jobs and opportunities for all residents, irrespective of their background or location within the city-region. Councillor Chen will also spearhead initiatives to boost productivity, address skills gaps in critical industries, and strengthen international trade links, solidifying Greater Manchester’s position as a dynamic economic hub.
Transforming the region’s connectivity is the task of Councillor Emily White, the new Portfolio Lead for Transport and Active Travel. Councillor White, who has been a vocal advocate for sustainable transport solutions in Trafford, brings a passionate commitment to delivering a truly integrated, affordable, and accessible transport system. Her primary objective will be to advance the Mayor’s "Bee Network" vision, integrating bus, tram, and active travel routes with simple, capped fares. This includes overseeing the ongoing franchising of the bus network, expanding the Metrolink, and investing significantly in cycling and walking infrastructure. The portfolio will also address the broader strategic transport challenges, including improving rail links, exploring innovative transport technologies, and reducing congestion and carbon emissions from transport. Councillor White will champion active travel as a cornerstone of public health and environmental sustainability, encouraging more residents to choose greener modes of transport for their daily journeys, thereby contributing to a healthier and more connected Greater Manchester.
Addressing one of the most visible and challenging issues in the region, Councillor Mark Jenkins has been appointed as Portfolio Lead for Housing, Homelessness, and Regeneration. With a strong track record in delivering affordable housing projects in Salford, Councillor Jenkins is tasked with driving forward the Mayor’s commitment to ending rough sleeping and providing good quality, affordable homes for all. His portfolio will focus on accelerating the delivery of new homes across all tenures, including social housing and genuinely affordable options, through strategic land use planning and innovative funding models. A key priority will be the continued implementation of the ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme and broader preventative strategies to tackle homelessness. Councillor Jenkins will also oversee large-scale regeneration projects, ensuring that new developments are sustainable, community-focused, and contribute positively to the urban fabric, while also addressing existing housing inequalities and supporting the retrofitting of homes for energy efficiency.
The critical agenda of environmental sustainability and climate action falls to Councillor Anya Sharma, the new Portfolio Lead for Environment, Green City-Region, and Net Zero. Councillor Sharma, an accomplished environmental policy expert from Oldham, will lead Greater Manchester’s ambitious drive towards becoming carbon neutral by 2038. Her responsibilities will include developing and implementing strategies to reduce carbon emissions across all sectors, promoting renewable energy generation, and enhancing the region’s natural environment. This involves fostering green industries, encouraging sustainable consumption, protecting biodiversity, and improving air quality. Councillor Sharma will also oversee climate adaptation strategies, ensuring the region is resilient to the impacts of climate change, such as flooding and extreme weather events. Her role is central to integrating environmental considerations into all aspects of GMCA policy, positioning Greater Manchester as a national and international leader in the green transition, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
The complex and vital area of health and social care integration will be led by Councillor Robert Khan, who takes on the role of Portfolio Lead for Health and Social Care Integration. Having served as a lead member for public health in Bolton, Councillor Khan possesses a deep understanding of the region’s devolved health and social care landscape. His remit is to ensure seamless, person-centred care, breaking down traditional silos between health services, social care, mental health provision, and wider public services. A key focus will be on reducing health inequalities, promoting preventative health measures, and supporting the integration of physical and mental health services. Councillor Khan will work closely with the NHS, local authorities, and the voluntary sector to improve outcomes for residents, enhance the well-being of communities, and ensure Greater Manchester maximises the potential of its unique devolved powers in health and social care, fostering a healthier and more resilient population.
Councillor Sophie Turner has been appointed as Portfolio Lead for Education, Skills, and Lifelong Learning. Drawing on her experience as an educator and a champion for youth services in Rochdale, Councillor Turner will spearhead efforts to ensure all residents have access to high-quality education and training opportunities throughout their lives. Her portfolio will focus on addressing skills gaps identified by employers, strengthening links between education providers and industry, and improving pathways from education to meaningful employment. This includes overseeing adult education programmes, apprenticeships, and vocational training, as well as working to raise educational attainment levels across the region. Councillor Turner will also champion initiatives to support young people, ensuring they have the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly changing economy, thereby creating a future-ready workforce and fostering social mobility.
The vibrant cultural and digital landscape of Greater Manchester will be nurtured by Councillor Liam O’Connell, the new Portfolio Lead for Culture, Sport, and Digital. With a background in promoting creative industries in Bury, Councillor O’Connell will be responsible for enhancing the region’s rich cultural offer, supporting its thriving arts and sports sectors, and accelerating digital inclusion. His portfolio will focus on leveraging culture and sport for economic growth, promoting tourism, and ensuring access to cultural experiences for all communities. Crucially, he will also drive the digital agenda, aiming to make Greater Manchester a leading smart city, expanding digital connectivity, addressing digital exclusion, and harnessing technology for public good. Councillor O’Connell will champion the region’s status as a hub for innovation and creativity, ensuring that its digital infrastructure and cultural assets continue to attract talent and investment, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike.
Finally, Councillor Chloe Wilson assumes the role of Portfolio Lead for Inclusive Growth and Communities. As a long-standing advocate for social justice in Tameside, Councillor Wilson will focus on ensuring that Greater Manchester’s economic success translates into tangible benefits for all residents, particularly those in disadvantaged communities. Her portfolio will tackle issues of poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, promoting community wealth building, and empowering local neighbourhoods. This includes supporting the voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector, fostering stronger community cohesion, and ensuring that regeneration efforts genuinely benefit existing residents. Councillor Wilson will work to ensure that the voices of diverse communities are heard and acted upon, embedding principles of fairness and equity into all GMCA policies and programmes, and striving to create a region where no one is left behind.
This comprehensive new cabinet, under Andy Burnham’s leadership, is poised to tackle the multifaceted challenges and seize the immense opportunities that lie ahead for Greater Manchester. The careful selection of these portfolio holders reflects a strategic intent to deliver a transformative agenda, fostering a more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable future for the entire city-region. The coming term will test the resolve and collaborative spirit of this new team, but the foundations have been laid for a renewed push towards Greater Manchester’s continued growth and success.
George Anjay
Nana Banana
Nakalama John