Hike in pay for West Midlands Combined Authority CEO approved as new top boss confirmed
An increased pay packet to help West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) finally find a new top boss has been agreed.
Members of the WMCA Board approved its pay policy statement 2026/27 and an increase in the salary grade for the chief executive from £180,000 to £215,000 to £197,825 to £250,000.
Bosses said the hike puts the region in line with other combined authority CEOs and reflected the ‘level of responsibility’
A new permanent chief executive is yet to be appointed following the departure of the previous CEO Laura Shoaf, who stepped down in June.
Deputy chief executive Ed Cox stepped in as interim and, in October last year, this arrangement was extended for another six months after board members were told the recruitment process had failed to find a suitable candidate.
They were also recommended to approve an increase in the wage being offered because the existing one was ‘too low to attract the calibre of candidates needed’.
At the meeting, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said: “it is important for us to ensure we attract and recruit and retain the best people here and across the region.”
A WMCA spokesperson added: “The WMCA is working to make the West Midlands the best place to live, work and visit, with a four year, multi-billion-pound budget to drive economic growth, new jobs, affordable housing and better public transport.
“Due to the size and global status of the West Midlands, the role of chief executive is one of regional government’s most senior jobs, and the salary reflects this level of responsibility.
“The new wage structure brings us into line with Greater Manchester, Liverpool and West Yorkshire combined authorities, and keeps us competitive for a role at the helm of an ambitious, trailblazing organisation.”
West Yorkshire Combined Authority offers a flat £197,825 while Liverpool City Region Combined Authority offers a minimum of £205,304 and a maximum of £229,209.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority offers a minimum of £220,000 and a maximum of £250,000 to its chief executive.
