Labour selections process begins for next year’s mayoral elections

Applications to become a Labour mayoral candidate for next year’s elections are now open, with a deadline for two positions fast approaching.

The candidate selection process has begun for all four new combined authority mayoral posts which will be contested for the first time next year; Greater Essex, Hampshire and Solent, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Sussex.

Applications for Greater Essex and Norfolk and Suffolk close on August 31, with no deadline announced yet for the other two mayoral positions.

The four regions were selected as priority areas for the government’s devolution programme in February. Two other priority regions, Cumbria and Cheshire and Warrington, will see their inaugural mayoral elections take place alongside local elections in their area in May 2027.

The Conservatives have selected their candidates for all four of next year’s mayoral elections; Louise McKinlay (Greater Essex), Tim Passmore (Norfolk and Suffolk), Katy Bourne (Sussex) and Donna Jones (Hampshire and Solent). The Liberal Democrats have also begun the process of selecting their candidates for Norfolk and Suffolk and Hampshire and Solent.

Subscribe here to our daily newsletter roundup of Labour news, analysis and comment– and follow us on Bluesky, WhatsApp, X and Facebook.

• SHARE: If you have anything to share that we should be looking into or publishing about this story – or any other topic involving Labour– contact us (strictly anonymously if you wish) at [email protected].
• SUBSCRIBE: Sign up to LabourList’s morning email here for the best briefing on everything Labour, every weekday morning.
• DONATE: If you value our work, please chip in a few pounds a week and become one of our supporters, helping sustain and expand our coverage.
• PARTNER: If you or your organisation might be interested in partnering with us on sponsored events or projects, email [email protected].
• ADVERTISE: If your organisation would like to advertise or run sponsored pieces on LabourList‘s daily newsletter or website, contact our exclusive ad partners Total Politics at [email protected].