Ben Bradley’s Local Election Campaign
Ben Bradley, the Conservative candidate for the East Midlands mayoralty, is working to differentiate his campaign from his party’s national image.
East Midlands Mayoral Election
On Thursday, 2 May, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire will elect their first mayor of the new East Midlands Combined County Authority, coinciding with other mayoral and local elections across the country.
Challenges Faced by the Conservative Party
The Conservative Party is currently trailing Labour by an average of 20 points nationally. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s efforts to improve the party’s standing for the upcoming local and general elections have been challenging.
Focus on Individual Candidates
A recent report by the Centre for Cities revealed that voters are more inclined to support individual candidates rather than party affiliations in mayoral elections.
Bradley’s Perspective
Bradley, also the Tory MP for Mansfield and the leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, acknowledges the national party’s struggles but emphasizes the importance of personal merit in the mayoral race.
Importance of Experience and Capability
Bradley highlights the significance of candidates’ qualifications and experience in handling the responsibilities of the mayoral role, emphasizing the need for effective governance and management skills.
Engaging Disaffected Voters
One of the key challenges for Bradley is encouraging disengaged voters in the East Midlands to participate in the mayoral election and recognize its direct impact on their lives.
Role of Metro Mayors
Ten metro mayor elections are scheduled across England in May, showcasing the potential for local leadership to drive positive change and investment in communities.
Future Plans
Bradley affirms his commitment to serving as both mayor and MP if elected, prioritizing continuity and effective representation for his constituents.
