Anna Smith selected as Labour candidate for mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
The former Labour leader of Cambridge City Council, Cllr Anna Smith, has been selected as the party’s candidate in the upcoming Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayoral election.
Her selection follows current Labour mayor Dr Nik Johnson's decision to not to stand for re-election on 1 May for health reasons two weeks ago.
Cllr Smith is currently the deputy mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with responsibility for transport, who oversaw the introduction of the Tiger Bus pass for under 25s across the combined authority. She is also a Labour city councillor for Coleridge ward.
Cllr Smith said: “I am delighted to be selected as Labour’s candidate for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayor. I am proud to call this region my home. I’ve lived and worked in Cambridge for 30 years as a teacher, senior leader, and local councillor. I now work in Peterborough.
“I’m standing in this election to deliver change across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.
“As council leader in Cambridge, I led our council homes programme, which is about to complete its 1000th home.
“I am also currently deputy mayor for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough where I have responsibility for transport. I am incredibly proud of what Labour has achieved in our region over the past four years. I am particularly proud of taking back public control of our buses, alongside Dr. Nik Johnson. And of creating the Tiger Bus Pass - delivering £1 fares to under 25s across our region.
“I know the past few years have been tough for everyone. That’s why I have a plan to drive growth and create opportunities for everyone in our region.
“My number one priority will be ensuring there are secure, well-paid jobs available in every part of our region. And I’ll build the transport links, homes and services to go with them. I’ll make sure that everyone has access to the training they need. I’ll make Cambridgeshire and Peterborough a place where you can have a career, not just a job.
“This is an exciting time for local government, with our new Labour Government empowering mayors across the country. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough deserve a mayor who will work with the government to ensure we get the best deal. As your Labour mayor I will deliver for you.”
Cllr Smith has lived and worked in Cambridge since 1995. She is a former teacher at Hills Road Sixth Form College where she led in providing pastoral support and guidance for students.
The Conservatives have former Peterborough MP Paul Bristow standing for them, while the Liberal Democrats have East Cambridgeshire district and Cambridgeshire county councillor Lorna Dupré standing for them.
