ESSEX’S police, fire, and crime commissioner has said he wants to be the county’s first mayor and has entered the running to be the Conservative candidate.
Elections for Greater Essex’s first mayor will take place next year. The new position is part of the reorganisation of the county’s local government, which will also abolish councils in favour of fewer but larger local authorities.
When the position begins, the mayor will take over the responsibilities of the police, crime, and fire commissioner. They will have the power to speak directly to government ministers, secure funding for local projects, make strategic decisions, attract investment, and improve infrastructure. They would also oversee decisions on transport, jobs, housing, education, healthcare and the environment.
Now, Roger Hirst, the current crime commissioner, says he is well-positioned to become mayor of Essex. His announcement comes after Councillor Louise McKinlay, deputy leader of Essex County Council, revealed she also wants to be chosen as the Tory candidate.
Mr Hirst said: “My own background before I became police, fire, and crime commissioner was 30 years in the city in economics. I know all about economic development, and that is the additional piece of the role that comes with being mayor.
“And I’d like to think my experience of negotiating with central government and my experience of bringing partners across Essex together successfully and delivering for the county will mean that we can succeed with a key strategic economic development plan.
“That will involve delivering on infrastructure projects like upgrading the A12 and A120, the A414 and A127. It involves bringing in the Lower Thames Crossing and making sure we get delivery from the two free ports to really push the county to new highs.
“We have such untapped potential in the energy of Essex residents that one of the things has to be to deliver a better skills and training programme for them so we can see higher value-added jobs across the county.”
