Sheffield mayoral candidate wins battle to remain as MP

Dan Jarvis has won a battle with Labour party leaders to stand in the Sheffield City Region mayoral election and remain as Barnsley Central MP.

Labour’s National Executive Committee ruled last week that no-one could serve in two elected roles.

A Labour source revealed both parties had now agreed the Barnsley Central MP would be able to remain in parliament, BBC News reported.

Jarvis said: “I am honoured to be Labour’s candidate for the Sheffield City Region mayoral election and I am looking forward to the campaign.”

Following Labour’s National Executive Committee ruling, party general secretary Iain McNicol and incoming general secretary Jennie Formby outlined its position in a letter to Jarvis.

He was told he must stand down from parliament if elected mayor.

The Yorkshire and Humber Parliamentary Labour Group, with 36 MPs, had backed Jarvis, saying he was selected in the “full knowledge” he would do both jobs.

Jarvis is the favourite to win the May 3 contest as all 14 South Yorkshire constituencies taking part in the election were won by Labour at the last general election.

The elected role will cover Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield councils.