'My name is in the hat': Ben Bradley confirms plans to run for mayor of Greater Lincolnshire

Ex Mansfield MP and Nottinghamshire County Council leader Ben Bradley is looking to become the Conservative candidate for the new role.

Speculation about Mr Bradley’s intentions began circulating in October, but he has now revealed he is among six contenders shortlisted for the position.

The devolution deal for the region, officially approved by central government in September, is expected to bring an additional £24 million per year to Greater Lincolnshire.

As reported by Nottinghamshire Live, the former MP has now confirmed his intention to run, stating: “My name is in the hat.

“I’d love to be selected by Conservative members as their candidate, but that’s not my decision, so I look forward to that process playing out over the coming weeks.”

Earlier this month, Mr Bradley announced he would be stepping down as leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, a role he first assumed in 2021.

He said he after his defeats in the East Midlands mayoral election and General Election earlier this year, he had spent some time evaluating his next steps and planning for the future.

The Conservative politician insisted he has countless links with Lincolnshire, having previously lived in Grantham.

He added: “What people might not know is that my family is originally from Bourne and, before my wife and I lived in Nottinghamshire, we lived and worked in Grantham.

“That’s actually where I first became involved in politics. We now live right on the Lincolnshire border, I play hockey in Lincoln, my business is based in Lincoln.

“So there are lots of connections there that people might not have been aware of. I’m already involved in some major projects that will impact on the county, like STEP Fusion for example, and I think with my experience I could add real value to the local area, local economy and communities.

“It’s well known now that I’ll be stepping away from Nottinghamshire politics in the coming weeks.

“I think after eight years at the council and seven as a member of Parliament, the time is right after recent elections to move on, and I’m confident that I leave the council in a really good place.

“Those who have followed my work in recent years will also know that I think the role of regional mayor is a huge opportunity to deliver change and improvement in local communities. I’ve been very vocal about that.”

Former Boston and Skegness MP Matt Warman and former Lincoln MP Karl McCartney have previously announced their bids to become the Conservative candidate for the Greater Lincolnshire mayoral election.

Both lost their seats in the July General Election to Reform UK’s Richard Tice and Labour’s Hamish Falconer.