COUNCIL leader Lord Peter Smith is the new head of the North West Regional Assembly (NWRA).
Lord Smith, of Leigh, a former NWRA chairman, was officially appointed as leader of the body at a ceremony last Friday.
The man who represents Leigh East ward on Wigan Council, said: "I am looking forward to using my time as leader to address and improve upon the regional disparities that exist both within the North West and between the region and the remainder of the UK.
"This is a vital time for the region's economy and is a period which should see us moving rapidly towards the formation of an elected Regional Authority for the North West."
Lord Smith is also chairman of the English Regions Network (ERN) -- a body established to promote the North West across Europe and at national government level -- and chairman of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities.
The North West Regional Assembly is a partnership organisation between local government bodies, business organisations and local public and voluntary sector agencies.
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