Exciting Showdown Ahead: Meet the Candidates for Mayor and County Elections in Cambridgeshire!

The race for the next Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is heating up as candidate nominations have now closed. A diverse range of parties including Conservatives, Greens, Labour, Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK have stepped forward with their chosen candidates. The electoral battle is set for May 1, coinciding with the elections for the Cambridgeshire County Council, where a whopping 316 candidates will be contesting for 61 seats.

The new mayor will wield considerable influence, overseeing a substantial £328 million capital budget for upcoming major projects coupled with a £333 million revenue budget dedicated to staffing and other essential expenses. Currently, the mayor’s salary stands at £91,699, comparable to the earnings of an MP, which is £93,904. Notably, the incumbent mayor, Labour’s Nik Johnson, has chosen not to run for re-election.

Additionally, every political party has nominated candidates to fill the 61 county council seats up for grabs. This includes 10 independent candidates and one from the Party of Women. Alongside the major elections, there will also be by-elections for two Cambridge City Council seats—East Chesterton and West Chesterton—due to resignations. In Peterborough, while routine elections are not taking place this year, there will be a by-election in the Barnack ward following the departure of Irene Walsh.

With results set to be announced on May 2, this election season promises to reshape the political landscape of Cambridgeshire. Stay updated on the latest news and developments on various platforms including BBC Sounds and social media.