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15
May 2024
North Yorkshire's deputy mayor for police, fire and crime revealed
New Labour mayor David Skaith is set to appoint Labour councillor Jo Coles as his deputy mayor for police, fire and crime.
Mr Skaith, who was elected as the county's first mayor on May 3, announced tonight Ms Coles was his preferred appointee.
She will be put forward for the position on June 12.
Ms Coles, who represents Westfield on City of York Council, will effectively take over the role of overseeing the performance of the police and fire service from the Conservative Zoë Metcalfe.
The powers of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner transferred to the new mayor this month.
Mr Skaith said in a statement:
David Skaith is elected
He added:
Mr Skaith took legal responsibility for the policing, fire and crime responsibilities on May 7.
As mayor, these responsibilities can be delegated to a deputy mayor.
Who is Jo Coles?
Ms Coles was elected as councillor for the Westfield ward in York in May 2023. Born near Malton, she grew up in York before starting a political career.
Over 20 years, her roles have included posts in Westminster and the north of England such as chief of staff for Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and adviser to then MP Ed Balls.
She was also head of communications and campaigns for Crest Advisory, a crime and justice consultancy, for almost four years. This involved working with mayors and police, fire, and crime commissioners.
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