In a recent address, Claire Ward, the mayor of the East Midlands, expressed a strong commitment to making the coming year one of substantial progress and “delivery” after navigating a challenging inaugural year in her role. Elected in 2024, Ward noted that the beginning of her tenure was marked by the foundational work necessary to establish her office from scratch, indicating that a lot had to be done to get everything operational and structured effectively.
The mayor, representing the Labour party, acknowledged that the results of the local elections were sobering for her party; they incurred significant losses, leading to calls for greater accountability and results for local residents. “I understand that frustration,” Ward commented, emphasizing her awareness of constituents’ sentiments. She articulated that the East Midlands Combined Authority, her new administrative body, is intended to attract investment and oversee local projects more effectively, moving decision-making powers from Westminster to regional governance.
In her remarks, Ward described the difficult conditions upon her arrival, quoting, “when I arrived a year ago into that office, they were literally unpacking the computers out of the boxes.” She detailed the challenges faced, including a temporary staff setup with twenty interim roles that contributed to a disordered start. This backdrop necessitated a significant focus on building an effective team and establishing reliable foundations for the authority’s operations, which is critical for delivering tangible benefits to the community.
Furthermore, Ward highlighted various initiatives poised to showcase upcoming contributions to the region, such as the redevelopment of brownfield sites for housing projects, investment in adult education through local colleges, and a £5 million funding injection for youth programs. Her proactive approach aims not just to promise enhancements but to actually deliver them efficiently.
Despite some criticism from opposition parties regarding her regional presence, Ward pledged to increase her visibility and engagement across the East Midlands now that the foundational work is behind her. This engagement is crucial as she seeks to address skepticism surrounding her administration’s outreach efforts. Moreover, there is an anticipation of enhanced funding opportunities for areas such as Derbyshire, with the mayor asserting that the government must intensify its support in regions like hers.
Ward also tackled the government’s approach toward infrastructure investment, emphasizing the East Midlands’ chronic underfunding. “If you look at transport funding, [the East Midlands] are not just at the bottom of the pile…we are way down,” she argued, stressing the need for prompt governmental action. Asserting that many locals are frustrated by the lack of sufficient infrastructure development, Ward reinforced her commitment to working closely with the government to secure necessary resources.
In a tone of collaboration, she called upon potential political partners such as the incoming Reform UK party in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, urging them to align with her plans as they navigate governance together. “Look at the manifesto that I stood on last year and tell me which bits you don’t agree with. Work with me. We will work together and we will deliver for this region,” she stated.
In summary, Claire Ward’s determination reflects a clear response to the initial setbacks experienced during her first year as mayor. Her focus on action and results suggests a commitment to rebuilding trust and driving significant improvements within the East Midlands, while simultaneously calling for a collaborative political environment focused on meeting the needs of the region’s residents. This combination of urgency and cooperation could function as a foundation for a more prosperous future for the area. The mayor’s approach highlights her recognition of constituents’ frustrations and her commitment to delivering the changes they seek.