The mayor of Greater Manchester wields a huge amount of power. The mayor has control over police and crime, over the fire service, planning and housing policy, transport, culture, sports and manages a nearly £6.2 billion health and social care budget. It’s a big job.

Whilst Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are largely rural areas, they are also home to dynamic and outward-looking bioscience and high-tech industries.

We’ve been held back for decades by lacklustre Conservative rule. But this year we have an opportunity to change that.

The UK’s 11 million unpaid carers – young and old – do a remarkable and important job, but they need more support.

From juggling work and looking after loved ones to taking on more caring responsibilities during the pandemic, carers face difficult challenges everyday.

unpaid carers have been ignored and overlooked”

That’s why members at our Conference have passed a motion demanding a better deal for these unsung heroes of the pandemic.

The West Midlands mayoral campaign is a great opportunity for us to get our distinctive Liberal Democrat messaging out there, to promote the party and to support our vital local elections.

I am focusing on three overriding principles in my campaign to become the mayor of the West Midlands.

Essential services like water, gas and electricity, are the backbones of modern life. They keep our homes warm, our cars running, we rely on them every day. But many of us are overpaying for these essential services.

The Liberal Democrats want to ensure utility companies are run for the benefit of consumers, rather than solely for profit.