The battle to become the first East Midlands mayor has kicked into gear, with former MP and Minister Claire Ward officially joining the race.
Claire, who is Chair of Sherwood Forest NHS Trust which includes Mansfield’s Community Hospital, Ashfield’s Kings Mill Hospital and Newark Hospital, has announced that she is seeking the Labour Party’s nomination for the top job, confirming a run that has been rumoured for weeks.
A new regional mayor is set to be elected in May 2024 under a £1.14 billion devolution deal for the East Midlands that was recently announced. The figurehead would lead a combined mayoral authority stretching across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby, and Derbyshire.
Commenting on the launch, Claire said, “I have the experience, ambition, and, most importantly, energy and enthusiasm to represent the East Midlands and would make Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire a better place to live, work, and learn”.
Claire has lived in Nottinghamshire for over a decade with her husband and two children. As well as leading local hospitals, Claire works with an independent trade union for pharmacists. She has also been a school governor and a town councillor in Ollerton, where she set up a Code Club to help local children gain new skills in technology.
The selection process and timings will be confirmed in due course by the party but during this time, Claire is keen to hear from all members across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire in relation to their views on what they need and want from their regional mayor.
If you’d like to speak with Claire, ask a question, get involved in the campaign or pledge your support, you can do this by emailing contact@claireward.co.uk or send a message through the campaign website at claireward.co.uk