As you may be aware, earlier today, here in Huntingdon at the offices of the Combined Authority, following yesterday’s recommendation from the CPCA board, I formally signed the papers to start the process of franchising the region’s bus network.
This is a huge moment for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and marks the beginning of a new era of high-quality public transport designed and managed to meet the needs of the people, communities, and economies it serves.
To everyone involved in getting us to where we are today, you have my immeasurable gratitude, and I couldn’t be happier for you in seeing all that effort pay off.
From my perspective, if getting elected as Mayor was the proudest moment of my political career, then this transformation of our public transport system is far and away my biggest achievement.
Upon my election in 2021, I set out to deliver bus reform for the local community and I couldn’t be more delighted to have been able to deliver on that pledge.
That said, none of this has been easy, and I have had to contend with no shortage of challenge, conflict, and controversy along the way, all of which have taken a very heavy toll, personally, professionally, and most of all, physically.
And I have no doubt that what comes next will be just as challenging, if not more so.
So, having reflected on the events of these past four years, and – as you would expect – discussed the future with my family and friends, my Labour Party colleagues, and my medical team at Papworth Hospital, I now recognise that the path to a second mayoral term is just one step too far for me.
I have therefore made the decision to stand down at the end of this administration and, having been in discussions with Labour Party officials, I have confirmed that I will not be the candidate for this coming May’s elections.
I’ve loved being mayor, I’ve done everything I set out to do, and as much as I want to continue, for my own and for my family’s sake, I know that I have to step away.
I believe wholeheartedly in the devolution project, and out of office will continue to do everything I can to help and support this Labour government accomplish its mission of much needed national renewal.
Last but by no means least, I want to thank the outstanding people that make up the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.
As officers, individually and collectively, you are a credit to yourselves, the organisation, and the people we represent.
I wish you all the best for the future and want to thank you for everything you’ve done in making the CPCA what it is today, which is a genuine force for good in creating opportunities, unlocking potential, and transforming our region’s fortunes.
Thank you all and very best wishes
