The body, a combined authority, is responsible for the strategic administration of the West of England, including planning, transport and skills.

For this purpose the West of England is defined as the local authority areas of Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset.

The creation of the role was agreed in 2016 as part of a devolution deal, by the then Chancellor George Osborne and the leaders of the three councils.

[3] The West of England Combined Authority Order 2017, which created the body with effect from 9 February 2017, specifies that mayoral elections are to be held every fourth year, commencing on 4 May 2017.

The first election on 4 May 2017 was won by Tim Bowles with a total of 70,300 votes, including second preferences.