First candidates for East Midlands Mayor come forward

The former Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire and an ex-BBC journalist are the first people to throw their hat into the ring to be the first directly-elected East Midlands Mayor.

Paddy Tipping, the former Labour MP says he is standing to be Labour’s candidate for East Midlands Mayor “to create

Paddy Tipping

a new and better future for all”.

In a statement, he said: “For far too long we have been a neglected area, much overlooked. I want to help create a new and better future for all.

“I’ve worked with Labour all my life as a local Councillor, local MP, and most recently as one of the area’s Police and Crime Commissioners. I know that by working together we can make a difference. We need to speak up, stand up and campaign strongly.

“I want to see an even better devolution deal for the East Midlands. What’s on offer now is simply not enough. For now, I’ll be concentrating on a new way of politics. It’s important to turn out and listen to people. To build from the bottom up. Your priorities will be my priorities.”

Hess, the former BBC political editor for the East Midlands launched his campaign yesterday (Monday June 5). He is also standing on a Labour ticket. He said: “”As regional mayor, my priority will be policies that deliver opportunity,

John Hess

well- being and prosperity. It’s also about finding common-purpose and common-ground in promoting the East Midlands, and having our voice heard at the top table of national government.”

The new mayor will front the East Midlands Combined Authority in a devolution deal worth £1.14bn over 30 years.

Candidates from other political parties are set to put themselves forward over coming weeks.