Mayor responds to WECA 'toxic culture' allegations

The Mayor of the West of England has defended his record after criticism of his leadership this week.

Several sources have told the BBC there is a "toxic culture of fear" at the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) after an exodus of senior staff from the organisation, which is led by Labour Regional Mayor Dan Norris.

“I came into a dysfunctional organisation, it was happening before I arrived,” Mr Norris told BBC Politics West.

It comes after the leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) said WECA’s leadership is “in turmoil.”

The West of England Combined Authority membership is made up of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and BANES Councils and is led by Mr Norris, who is also the MP for North East Somerset and Hanham.

WECA deals with regional transport, housing and adult skills.

“I think I am clear and strong and assertive where it needs to be,” said Mr Norris, who was elected as Mayor in 2021.

“I don’t come into politics to get on with people in the sense of be friends with them, but I am a politician and I am expected to show leadership.”

Talking to the BBC, former Bristol City Councillor Geoff Gollop questioned whether the West of England has lost out on central government money as a result of "dysfunction" at WECA.

"I can only fear that central government looking at that, and seeing that we were being incredibly dysfunctional, is bound to have played a part in considering whether money might come here for projects or go to other parts of the country," he said.

But Mr Norris argued: "Two thirds of a billion pounds has come to our region under me.

"We’re trying to spend that, and I appreciate the support of local politicians to help us do that more quickly."

You can watch the full interview on BBC Politics West on Sunday 24 November at 10am.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.