Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, is celebrating a successful first year of bringing more investment into the region to deliver better jobs, improved skills, new homes, enhanced transport, a greener future, and a thriving visitor economy.
This week (Wednesday 7 May) marks one year since Claire Ward was elected and signed the official declaration to become the region’s first Mayor.
In just 12 months, having a Mayor has already made a significant difference, including securing over £120 million in extra funding – money the region would not have received without devolution.
Over the past year, her leadership has delivered meaningful, visible improvements that are already transforming lives across the East Midlands. From supporting young people to upgrading public transport, the Mayor’s initiatives have focused on ensuring growth and opportunity are accessible to all.
Key achievements in Mayor Claire Ward’s first year include securing £140 million from government to regenerate local communities, with Carlton, Chesterfield, Clifton, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Mansfield, Newark, and Worksop each receiving £20 million over the next decade. Over £200 million is being invested in improving bus services, road safety, and daily commutes – including an extra £88 million secured thanks to the Mayor’s efforts.
A further £38 million per year has been allocated for the East Midlands Investment Fund, with £9.5 million already committed this year to six projects, including the redevelopment of Nottingham’s Broad Marsh and Derby City Urban Quarter. Over 1,400 new homes will be built on brownfield land, addressing housing needs while protecting green spaces.
In High Peak, more than 30,000 free bus journeys have been taken in the first three months of the High Peak Pass, helping young people access education and training. The region will also benefit from £13 million per year through the Connect to Work programme, supporting people with long-term health conditions into employment.
A new £3 million Mayoral Community Fund will strengthen disadvantaged communities, while the £160 million East Midlands Investment Zone will boost jobs in clean energy, high-tech industries, and advanced manufacturing, backed by skills training to ensure local residents benefit.
Young people have been a top priority, with a £5 million Youth Guarantee Trailblazer to help 18-21-year-olds secure jobs or training, and the creation of the first-ever East Midlands Youth Committee to give young people a voice in regional decision-making.
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said:
“It has been a busy but successful year for me and my team at the East Midlands Combined County Authority, establishing the region’s first-ever devolved governance and taking office. The East Midlands has always been a place of ambition, resilience, and potential – home to hardworking people, strong communities, and world-class industries. But for too long, we’ve missed out on the investment and attention we deserve. That’s now changing because the region has a Mayor focused on delivering real progress.
Devolution has given us the power to invest in ourselves – from £140 million to regenerate our towns, to new homes, better transport, and more opportunities for young people. We’re already seeing the difference a regional Mayor can make, bringing in funding and improvements that communities have long needed.
This is just the beginning. I’m even more excited about what lies ahead as we work together to make the East Midlands the best place to live, work, and learn.”
With strong foundations now in place, the next year will bring further progress including more homes, better transport, economic growth through the Inclusive Growth Commission, new opportunities for young people, and raising the East Midlands’ profile nationally and internationally.
