The West Yorkshire devolution deal has taken a step forward after receiving backing from Bradford Council and Kirklees Council.

Both councils gave their approval for the deal to move forward to its next stage via teleconference meetings. These means both chief executives will have the power to make a decision on the next stages later today.

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, said: 'We were delighted to finally secure this deal with government which will bring much needed new investment and will bring powers from Whitehall to West Yorkshire, benefiting people from Keighley to Kippax and all points in between.

'We are pleased to move this forward to the next formal stage which leads to consultation, new governance arrangements and then completion.'

Cllr Shabir Pandor, leader of Kirklees Council, added: 'I’m proud to have been one the council leaders working together in collaboration on this deal for West Yorkshire. Throughout the process I have been fighting for the very best outcome for Kirklees and to make sure we get the best deal possible for our residents.'

the devolution deal will see a directly-elected West Yorkshire mayor

and unlock £1.8bn funding over the next 30 years.