The Leader of Bradford Council has been elected to a major role on a transport committee.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe has been named as the majority group vice chair for the Rail North Committee (RNC).

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has been named as the committee’s new chair.

The Rail North Committee advises the Transport for the North Board on rail services and infrastructure improvements and all matters relating to rail franchise and contract management in the Rail North area.  

As Chair, Mr Burnham will oversee the strategic direction of the Committee, with the support of Vice Chairs from the majority and minority groups on the board.

Cllr Hinchcliffe said: “It’s a privilege to have been appointed as a Vice Chair to the Rail North Committee.

“And I welcome the appointment of Mayor Burnham as Chair. Communities in the North of England want, and deserve, reliable and punctual train services. “The current poor level of service is not acceptable, and it’s undermining businesses and holding back economic growth.

“I look forward to working with our stakeholders and partners in my new role as we work towards the transformation required to meet the understandable and increasing public expectations for the delivery of improved, reliable, inclusive, effective and functioning rail services.”