Coventry councillor John McNicholas has been elected as the new chairman of Centro, the West Midlands integrated transport authority, at its annual general meeting on Monday.
Cllr McNicholas takes over the post after Labour secured a majority on Centro following last month’s local government elections.
Councillor Kath Hartley, a Labour member of Birmingham City Council, has been appointed vice-chairman.
On accepting the position, Cllr McNicholas quoted his predecessor, the late Cllr Angus Adams, when he told members of the ITA: “It is an honour and a privilege to serve the West Midlands.
“My administration will be inclusive and while there will be issues we will debate I know that we will resolve them.
“We will be working on behalf of those we represent to get the best possible world-class public transport system.
“This is an exciting time to be involved in public transport, there is a huge agenda over the next couple of years and I thank you in advance for your contribution. I look forward to working with you.”
Until his appointment as chairman he was Centro’s Shadow Lead Member for Policy, District & Local Enterprise Partnership liaison, and for high speed rail.
Councillor Kath Hartley has represented the Ladywood ward in Birmingham since 1996.
She sits on the Transport Connectivity and Sustainability Overview & Scrutiny Committee and before being made vice-chairman of Centro was its Shadow Lead Member for Bus and Highways.
