James Palmer was selected this afternoon as the Conservative candidate for the election on 4th May for the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
James won on the first vote - which means he obtained over 50% of the 450 or so Conservative members who attended the hustings in Whittlesey.
His opponents were Steve Count and Roger Harrison.
James has subsequently written this message:
“On Saturday I was privileged to receive the backing of party representatives to become the Conservative Party candidate for the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. To all of you who attended the hustings event in Whittlesey, I thank you.
The new Combined Authority has the opportunity to enhance the lives of the people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough by investment in infrastructure, housing and skills. I am determined that, should I go forward and win the election, my vision of a strong county competing internationally with world renowned centres will be realised.
In order to make the necessary changes to governance and infrastructure we MUST have a Conservative mayor.
Only the Conservative Party has the policies to represent all of society and only the Conservative Party can represent all parts of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Together we can campaign to win this election in all areas.
I want to visit every part of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and I want to be seen as the only candidate who has an understanding of every district.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough must unite as one to provide the perfect location for international business and worldwide investment. Our competition is not Peterborough against Cambridge, but Peterborough and Cambridgeshire against California, Shanghai and Germany.
Investment in any part of the county is and will be mutually beneficial. My job as mayor will be to create an environment for business to thrive.
In order to win the election I want to work with our MPs, leaders and councillors, as well as party members. In preparation for the hustings, I spoke to council members across the whole area. Now I openly invite you all to contact me to discuss what your area needs to become better connected and more open to business development. I will do all that I can to help you.
Finally I would like to thank all of you for your support – support I hope I can rely on in the weeks and months to come as our party prepares to fight this election.
I was honoured to go through this process standing alongside candidates I have a very high regard for and I would particularly like to thank Steve Count and Roger Harrison for their kind words of congratulations after Saturday’s vote and for the support they have offered.
Now we must win the election – together."
Early media coverage:
Ely Standard
Peterborough Standard
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Contact James Palmer
07933 251 545
E james@jamespalmer4mayor.co.uk
James Palmer is the Conservative candidate for the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.