David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, has taken a leading role in shaping the future of transport in the north.
Transport for the North (TfN) has announced the nomination of two co‑chairs to lead its Board into 2026/27. The Board brings together the North’s 11 combined authorities, with business representatives and delivery partners, to work collectively on pan-Northern transport priorities that will unlock economic growth.
At its meeting on 16 March 2026, Board members supported David Skaith, Mayor of York & North Yorkshire, and Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and currently Interim Chair, to serve as co-chairs. Both nominees will co-chair on an interim basis until TfN’s Annual General Meeting, expected to be in June.
The co-chair arrangement reflects TfN’s commitment to strong, collaborative leadership across the North, recognising the diverse voices and geography in how we work, so together, we can deliver on the North’s shared priorities for strategic transport.
In a statement on its website TfN said: "The coming year will be a pivotal one as we continue our organisational reset, recognising that our operating environment has changed – and continues to evolve – with greater powers through devolution and the establishment of Great British Railways. We are working closely with our Board, constituent authorities and the Department for Transport to shape the future of TfN. We will shortly publish our Business Plan for 2026/27, which reflects these changes and sets out how we will adapt as an organisation.
"We look forward to working under the joint leadership of Mayor Skaith and Councillor Gittins, as we continue to champion a more connected, prosperous and sustainable North. "
Decisions about rail, roads and connectivity rarely stop at local boundaries. The Mayor’s involvement beyond our region means local priorities are heard where strategic decisions are made, strengthening collaboration with partners and helping unlock the investment and connectivity our region needs to grow and thrive in the years ahead.
