John Hess, the BBC’s former Political Editor for the East Midlands, has announced he’s seeking to be the Labour Party’s candidate for the new role of East Midlands Regional Mayor.
The election for the new position is due to be next May, but the Labour Party has now started its selection procedure to decide on its candidate.
“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,” said Mr Hess.
“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.”
Mr Hess added:“ As Regional Mayor, my priority will be policies that deliver opportunity, well-being and prosperity. It’s also about finding a common purpose and common ground in promoting the East Midlands and having our voice heard at the top table of national government. ”
During his BBC career as the region’s Political Editor, John reported from Westminster and closer to home on the impact of government decisions on local communities.
He was a familiar face on our TV screens through his appearances on BBC One’s daily news programme “East Midlands Today” and the “Sunday Politics”.
He is now an Honorary Professor at the School of Politics and International Relations at the University of Nottingham. 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”, the charity that runs Nottinghamshire’s libraries, archives and music in schools
• BBC Nottingham radio, online and TV walk out for 48 hours this week over cuts
The Regional Mayor will have responsibility for new devolved powers from Whitehall covering economic development, transportation, skills training and housing, with an annual budget of £ 38 million. It’ll cover a population of 2.2 million people.
The East Midlands Regional Mayor will lead a new body, the Combined Council Authority, made up of political leaders from the region’s big four local authorities, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire County Councils and the two city councils of Nottingham and Derby.
