By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Derby’s mayor has jumped into the East Midlands mayoral race – with the intention of abolishing the position.
Councillor Alan Graves will be standing for the Reform UK party in the election, and says his top priority would be getting rid of the new Combined County Authority.
The counties will go to the polls on May 2 to elect the first leader, who will have significant powers over transport, regeneration and employment.
Cllr Graves was elected mayor of Derby in May 2023 by a single vote as Reform UK’s first mayor.
He will stand against Councillor Ben Bradley (Con), Claire Ward (Lab) and Councillor Matt Relf (Ashfield Ind), who are already in the race.
Cllr Graves opposes the lack of public vote on the creation of the Combined County Authority.
“The Reform UK party tries to stand in as many elections as possible,” he said.
“People weren’t given the chance to say whether we need a combined authority, so they will have the chance to show their opposition when they vote.
“There are far too many politicians – everyone agrees with that. I don’t know anyone who’s happy with how many we’ve got.
“I am a very dedicated person, and I will take the powers of the position seriously if if I am elected mayor. However, my top priority is working towards getting the position abolished.
“I will aim to get the people of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire a better deal and save taxpayers’ money.”
According to Derby City Council’s website, Cllr Graves was first elected as a Labour councillor in 2002. He later became an independent, UKIP and Brexit Party representative, before becoming a Reform UK councillor in 2020.
While the other candidates have Nottinghamshire connections (either representing parts of the county or sitting on NHS boards), Cllr Graves said this wasn’t part of his decision to stand.
“It’s not about the Derbyshire-Nottinghamshire divide. People everywhere are fed up with politicians.
“The four authorities have decided this should happen without asking anyone.”
He plans to participate in debates against other candidates in the run-up to the election.
The £1.14bn devolution would move some powers from Westminster to an elected leader for the two counties, which have a population of 1.6 million people.
