Sheffield City Region mayor's meeting with Prime Minister

Mr Jarvis, along with ‘M9’ colleagues from areas such as Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Tees Valley and London, discussed a way forward in the road back against the virus.

It is understood elected mayors from the different regions in England raised issues with ongoing problems with personal protective equipment in the social care sector, public transport and general funding for local authorities.

This is the first time Mr Johnson has spoken directly to regional figure heads since the pandemic hit UK shores.

Mr Jarvis welcomed the meeting and said the Prime Minister is ‘committed to work closely’ with him and his colleagues

Mr Jarvis, Sheffield City Region mayor, said: “I welcome the commitment from the Prime Minister to work closely with mayors to lead the country out of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We must build on these constructive discussions to ensure mayors have a strong mandate to transform our economy and society.

“Every death from this cruel virus is a tragedy, and stark Office for National Statistics data shows it has hit hard in places already struggling: there has been an eight-fold loss of life in poorer communities compared with the least deprived.

“We know health and economic fortunes are intertwined, and Covid-19 risks exacerbating these divides.

“That is the scale of the underlying challenges we must overcome, so it’s vital mayors have meaningful powers and resources to unite the country and truly level up.

“South Yorkshire stands ready to not just close these divides, but play a leading role in transforming our region and nation: whether that’s delivering major transport infrastructure, creating a cleaner and greener environment, and unlocking prosperity and opportunity for all.

“We must seize the opportunity to build a better Britain – not just recovery, but renewal.

“I will be working with the government and fellow mayors to deliver for our communities. It is needed now more than ever.”