Claire Ward becomes first East Midlands Mayor
Published: 7 May 2024
On Friday 3 May, Claire Ward was elected as the first Mayor of the East Midlands.
On Friday 3 May, Claire Ward was elected as the first Mayor of the East Midlands. The Labour Party candidate was declared winner of the region’s historic first Mayoral election, following counts at venues across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire on Friday 3 May.
The full and final result was declared at Nottingham Tennis Centre.
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “I am truly humbled that the people of Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have elected me to become your very-first East Midlands Mayor.
“We know we can punch above our weight as a region, but we have been held back. Constantly at the bottom of the table for investment from Government, projects promised then scrapped, we’ve been overlooked and underfunded for too long. That must end now.
“If we are going to change politics and make it work better for people, we will need to work together. As Mayor, I will work across the political divides, uniting those who share an ambition to make this a better place, so we can delivery truly transformational change for our region.
“So let me set out that my commitment from day one is to be the person who stands up for this region, shouts out for this region and demands better for this region.
“Our region has a proud heritage of leading where others follow. From Cromford Mill, to Derby’s Silk Mill, this is the true birthplace of the industrial revolution. Our businesses and creative talent across the region, over decades, have led in manufacturing and innovation.
“Together we will restore that pride and purpose, to make the East Midlands the best place to live, to work and to learn.”
The election, held on Thursday 2 May, saw votes cast across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham.
Councillor Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council added:
“For too long, the East Midlands has been left to lag behind other areas and passed over for funding and other opportunities. The formation of the East Midlands Combined County Authority and the election of Claire as it’s Mayor will only be a positive for the region.
The potential that will be unlocked following this historic election will soon begin to deliver a big boost for the area and all of its residents. I’m optimistic for the future of Derby and the wider region. I’m excited to start working with Claire to uplift Derby and the East Midlands.”
The Mayor will have access to over £4 billion in funding, alongside devolved powers around transport, housing, skills and adult education, Net-Zero and economic development.
Claire Ward will hold office for four years, with the next East Midlands Mayoral election set to be held in May 2028.