The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) mayoral election will take place on Thursday, May 1. Five candidates are in the running, including Paul Bristow (Conservative), Ryan Coogan (Reform), Lorna Dupré ( Liberal Democrats ), Bob Ensch (Green Party) and Anna Smith (Labour).
A combined authority mayor makes important decisions for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and is responsible for a £20 million annual budget. It also has devolved powers to spend up to £800 million on local housing, infrastructure and jobs.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) sat down with Liberal Democrat candidate Lorna Dupré to discuss her plans for Peterborough if elected on May 1. The LDRS has invited all five candidates for interviews, which have been published in the run up to the election.
Who is Lorna Dupré?
Lorna Dupré is the leader of the Liberal Democrat and Independent Group on East Cambridgeshire District Council as well as the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats on Cambridgeshire County Council. Currently living in Sutton, near Ely, Ms Dupré began her political career as a councillor in 1991, moving from Harlow to Cambridgeshire in 2009.
Asked about what she gets up to outside of politics, she said: "Sadly, I don't think there is much of an away from politics these days, it does tend to be all consuming. I think if I had free time I would like to do a lot more travelling, more reading and have some domestic life would be nice. I've got no time really for much else at the moment."
What are Lorna Dupré's plans for Peterborough if elected?
"I know Peterborough and I know something of what the priorities are here. I've campaigned here and been out in the city centre talking with people about buses," Ms Dupré said.
"And also talking with young people who raised issues with housing, not only the quantity of housing but the quality of housing locally, and the inability to get transport to education and training providers that will equip them for the jobs that they want.
"I love the ancient buildings here and the walk through from the station to the city centre is really just lovely. But I know it's also got a very lively industry as well. The city has been growing for a long time and I think perhaps that some of the infrastructure hasn't really caught up, is what I've been hearing."
A number of candidates have backed a call to rebuild a regional pool for the city centre following the demolition of the site on Bishop's Road. While not part of her main pledges, Ms Dupré did not rule out her support for a new pool.
She said: "I think it's really important that the mayor works with the local authorities positively and ensures the infrastructure is there for residents. As areas grow and expand we need to provide new infrastructure, but we also need to support leisure and other facilities that exist and replace them as they become due.
"I think it is really important that the mayor has a role and an understanding of that. I don't think it is the role of the mayor to come barging in and telling local authorities what to do, but partnership is absolutely vital. With good housing you need good facilities."
Ms Dupré said her six main priorities for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough include health, roads, connectivity and public transport, environment, housing, and skills and jobs.
Despite running to become mayor of the combined authority, Ms Dupré admitted that she voted against the creation of the role. She said: "If that vote were held today I would vote the same way again. People are very confused by the multiple tiers of government. Most people don't really see why a mayor is necessary.
"It is really important to be a mayor who believes in partnership and who believes in supporting and recognising the legitimacy of local authorities and not just seeking to come in and tell them what they can and can't do. I want to be someone who will bring people together and recognise and respect the roles that they've been elected to, and try to help everybody to achieve the very best for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire."
Why Lorna Dupré believes you should vote for her
Ms Dupré has four years of experience at the CPCA as chair of the overview and scrutiny committee under two different mayors, which she believes may give her an advantage.
She said: "I have seen two very different styles of mayoralty at work in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
"I've had a good overview of the entirety of what the combined authority does and what the mayor's role is. And I think I understand that and can go in knowing what the opportunities are as well as what the limits are."
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