Talks were beginning today on a deal that would see West Yorkshire take control of extra powers and funding from Westminster.

The devolution talks between government ministers and local leaders could lead to more responsibility for the region over local services - and the creation of an elected mayor.

Treasury Minister Simon Clarke was meeting leaders at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in Leeds today.

He was being joined by Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry and the leaders of Bradford, Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield councils.

Ahead of today’s meeting, West Yorkshire Leaders issued the following joint statement: “We go into these discussions determined to secure a devolution agreement that meaningfully transfers powers and money from Whitehall to the Leeds City Region and helps us accelerate our work to deliver growth that benefits all our communities.

“We welcome the positive tone the Government has struck ahead of this meeting, including on the important role of collaboration at a Yorkshire level, and hope they will match the scale of ambition we have for this deal.

“We are ready to work quickly to secure an agreement which ensures the City Region is in the best possible position to improve the quality of life of our communities in the years to come.”

A statement from the Treasury outlined how the government is “committed to levelling up opportunities so all corners of the country can benefit from economic growth and prosperity”.

A devolution deal for the Leeds City Region would empower a new metro mayor, with significant investment made available for local priorities and powers over areas such as transport and skills.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Exchequer Secretary Simon Clarke said: “We are determined to level-up opportunities so that all communities, including those here in West Yorkshire, get their fair share of our future prosperity.

“Today we take a step forward by opening talks on a mayoral devolution deal for the Leeds City Region – right in the heart of the Northern Powerhouse.

“This will give local people, who know their area best, the power to shape their own destiny.”

Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry said: “This government is absolutely committed to transferring power, money and responsibility from Whitehall and putting it back in the hands of the people.

“Our discussions with West Yorkshire represent a significant step forward in securing a workable devolution deal."

Since 2015, ministers have struck eight mayoral devolution deals in Greater Manchester, West Midlands, Liverpool City Region, Tees Valley, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, West of England, North of Tyne and Sheffield City Region.

Agreeing a deal with the Leeds City Region will be the first major step for this new government following a renewed commitment to English devolution.