Three candidates announced for Cambridgeshire mayor election

Elections for the mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are set for May 1. The new mayor will earn an annual salary of £91,699 and will lead the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority for four years. This authority will have a capital budget of £328 million for major projects like the Peterborough station redevelopment and a revenue budget of £333 million for ongoing expenses and support. Several candidates have announced their intentions to run for mayor. They are listed in alphabetical order by surname. Paul Bristow represents the Conservative Party. He served as the MP for Peterborough from 2019 to 2024 before losing to a Labour candidate. Bristow aims to improve road and rail connections, as well as attract jobs and investment. His key proposals include dualing main A-roads and introducing light rail in Cambridge. Lorna Dupre is the Liberal Democrat candidate. She leads the Liberal Democrat and Independent Group on East Cambridgeshire District Council and is the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats at the county level. Dupre focuses on enhancing public transport, providing skills for a changing workforce, and addressing climate change. She envisions a greener and fairer region. Anna Smith is the Labour Party candidate and currently the deputy mayor of the Combined Authority. She replaces Nik Johnson, who chose not to run again. Smith previously led Cambridge City Council and plans to promote growth and create new opportunities. Her campaign includes fixing potholes, maintaining the £1 Tiger bus pass, and forming a taskforce to combat violence against women and girls. More candidates may join the race as announcements are made.