Nottinghamshire's former Police and Crime Commissioner and an ex-BBC journalist have become the first people to confirm they want to stand for election as East Midlands Mayor. The mayor will head up a new East Midlands Combined Authority, which is being given significant powers in areas ranging from housing to transport by Government.
The authority, being funded to the tune of £1.14 billion over 30 years, is due to be officially up and running next May and the first election for an East Midlands Mayor is also set to be held that month. The new authority will cover the entirety of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, meaning people across both counties will be entitled to vote.
All parties will be able to put candidates forward for the East Midlands Mayor role, with applications to be the Labour Party's candidate having now opened. John Hess, the BBC's former Political Editor for the East Midlands, was the first to officially announce that he is seeking to be the Labour Party candidate on Monday (June 5).
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The announcement from Mr Hess was shortly followed by official confirmation from former Police and Crime Commissioner and Sherwood MP, Paddy Tipping, with Labour's candidate due to be officially confirmed by August. The Conservative candidate should be in place by September.
Paddy Tipping released a video to launch his mayoral candidacy campaign and has also launched a website. A statement on the latter reads: "I'm standing to be the Mayor of the East Midlands because I'm ambitious for young people their families and all our communities.
"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."
Speaking about his decision to enter the race for Labour, John Hess said: "The creation of a regional mayor for the East Midlands is an exciting step-change opportunity, and it requires a new style of fresh and engaging politics. As the BBC's East Midlands Political Editor for nearly 20 years, I reported increasingly on the frustrations and reality of a region limited by Government underinvestment, austerity and too often overlooked.
"That has to change. Even senior Conservatives from the region acknowledge that the East Midlands has been losing out. We deserve better than this."
Since leaving the BBC, other roles held by Mr Hess have included Honorary Professor at the University of Nottingham's School of Politics and International Relations. He is also chair of trustees for the East Midlands-based Music for Everyone charity, and for six years was on the board of Inspire.
He added: "As regional mayor, my priority will be policies that deliver opportunity, 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."
Nottinghamshire Live previously reported that one other figure is said to be interest in being Labour's candidate. the Chair of the Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, Claire Ward. Adele Williams, Nottingham City Council's former deputy leader, is also understood to be considering the Labour candidacy.
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