Residents across South Yorkshire will vote for a new mayor for the region this Thursday.
The last elections were held in 2018. Dan Jarvis, who was elected in 2018, said he would not seek re-election. The new mayor for South Yorkshire will be responsible for economic schemes, transport services and infrastructure projects.
Dan Jarvis, current mayor for South Yorkshire and MP for Barnsley
Take a look at the candidates below.
Oliver Coppard – Labour Party
Oliver Coppard grew up in South Yorkshire during the 1980s. In 2015, he stood as Sheffield Hallam’s parliamentary candidate against Nick Clegg. He is currently Chair of the Board at Sheffield Hallam Students’ union. He claims he will build a better economy, develop a clean energy strategy and put communities at the heart of decision-making. Read his manifesto here.
Mayor candidate Oliver Coppard.
Councillor Joe Otten – Liberal Democrat
Mr Otten is a councillor alongside Colin Ross and Martin Smith for Dore and Totley ward within Sheffield Council. He is a former software developer and small business owner. He aims to boost Sheffield’s cultural scene, improve Sheffield buses and make communities key in decision-making. Read more about him here.
Mayor candidate Joe Otten.
Clive Watkinson – Conservative
Clive Watkinson is the manager of the furniture store JC Snell based in Barnsley. He is also director of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce. In 2005, he also stood for MP in the now non-existent West Barnsley and Penistone seat. His main aim is to make transport in the region better including buses, Doncaster airport and traffic flow.
Mayor candidate Clive Watkinson.
Bex Whyman – Green Party
Bex Whyman is from Dore, Sheffield and she currently works as a senior analyst. She is the only female candidate. She claims that transport is integral to South Yorkshire and aims to build better trains, bus and tram links. She also wants to retrofit more homes. Read more about her here.
Mayor candidate Bex Whyman.
Simon Biltcliffe – Yorkshire Party
Mr Biltcliffe runs an eco-friendly business in Barnsley. He is also a trustee of Reds in the Community a charity that supports social inclusion in association with Barnsley FC. He claims he will be transparent with the people of South Yorkshire if he got in, by posting his expenses weekly and donating his entire salary to charity. Read his manifesto here.
Mayor candidate Simon Biltcliffe.
David Bettney – Social Democratic Party
David Bettney grew up in South Yorkshire and moved around from Doncaster to Rotherham to Barnsley, where he now lives. He served in the army for 22 years and now is an oil and gas entrepreneur. He aims to rebuild Britain’s industrial base. He says he will reduce places at university and boost apprenticeships and vocational skills. He says he will combat homelessness and provide homeless people with secure hostels. Read his manifesto here.
Mayor candidate David Bettney.
The results for a new mayor will be announced this Friday.
