Helen Godwin, now 100 days into her tenure as West of England Combined Authority (WECA) Metro Mayor, is focused on proving the value of Labour leadership in the region. Having narrowly won the mayoral race against Reform UK’s Arron Banks by just three percent, Godwin stands as the only Labour victor in the 2025 combined authority elections. Despite national shifts favoring Reform UK, she emphasizes cooperation with the Labour government to deliver tangible improvements locally.
Godwin stresses a pragmatic approach, particularly on transport, the cornerstone of her role. The region received £752 million in transport funding this June—a potential springboard for a mass transit system linking Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, and North Somerset. Unlike some predecessors and campaigners who advocate for specific systems like trams or underground railways, Godwin remains technology-agnostic. Her focus is on what works best, whether that means trams, light rail, or guided buses, as long as it successfully addresses congestion and connectivity.
Buses remain the primary mode of public transport in the West of England, and Godwin acknowledges their current shortcomings. Rather than committing to a single solution such as bus franchising, which some campaigners champion, she is exploring a range of partnerships with operators. This flexible approach extends to integrating suburban rail and addressing persistent traffic hotspots.
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While significant, the transport funding is not sufficient to build an entire mass transit network immediately. Godwin aims to build on existing infrastructure while accelerating development wherever additional capacity is needed. A comprehensive transport vision is expected to be published this autumn.
Beyond transport, Godwin recognizes her role includes coordinating strategic planning across the combined authority. With new government directives to build 1.5 million houses in this parliament, she anticipates greater powers for metro mayors to influence planning decisions and ensure housing and transport development are integrated. Though cautious about prematurely rejecting developments without full details, Godwin acknowledges the housing emergency identified during her extensive campaigning.
During her first 100 days, Godwin has secured notable funding successes, including £150 million for the creative industries and £5 million for a youth guarantee scheme supporting education and employment pathways. She highlights that these achievements stem from cultivating strong relationships with government ministers, especially Lisa Nandy. Godwin also restored momentum on the Portishead rail line and launched the “kids go free” bus travel scheme for children aged 5-15 throughout the summer, encouraging young people to explore the region.
A critical aspect of Godwin’s leadership has been rebuilding trust and cooperation within the combined authority after a turbulent period marked by the arrest of her predecessor, Dan Norris. Arrested on severe allegations, Norris stepped down shortly before the May 2025 elections and remains on police bail. The combined authority staff received trauma support, and Godwin has worked closely with council leaders to strengthen working relationships, appointing Liberal Democrat Bath and North East Somerset Council leader Kevin Guy as her deputy mayor.
Despite the region’s varied political landscape—with each member council controlled by different parties—Godwin is optimistic about cross-party collaboration. She notes a shared agenda among progressive parties and insists that decisions must consider the entire electorate, including Reform and Green voters whose support split the last election’s vote closely.
Godwin’s message centers on delivering practical solutions: accessible housing, reliable public transit that respects motorists, quality job opportunities, environmental protection, and a vibrant cultural life. She believes these goals can unite voters across political divides and hopes to secure a second term by demonstrating effective, inclusive leadership.