Residents urged to register for region’s first ever mayoral elections

People in Derby and Derbyshire are being urged to register to vote for the region’s first-ever elected East Midlands Mayor.

The call comes after councils in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, recently gave the go-ahead to devolution.

As a result, voters will head to the polls on Thursday 2 May to take part in the Combined County Mayoral Authority and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

Now, Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council are urging residents in the city and county to make sure they are registered to vote.

Emily Feenan, the city council’s electoral registration officer, said: “Voting is an important way of being able to have your say and shape policies that will impact people in Derby and Derbyshire.

“Time is running out to make sure you can take part in these elections. I’d encourage everyone in Derby who is not already registered to vote, to take action now.”

Towards the end of last year, the city council and county council, along with Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council, each approved plans to create the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

EMCCA is set to bring in around £4 billion of funding for the region, alongside devolved powers for transport, skills and adult education, housing, the environment and economic development.

It will be spearheaded by the elected East Midlands Mayor. However, in order to vote, residents in the region must be on the electoral register by 11:59pm on Tuesday 16 April.

And Derby City Council is urging those who have not registered at their current address to do so before the deadline.

Speaking back in December, Councillor Baggy Shanker, leader of the city council, said: “The East Midlands Combined County Authority is set to bring much-needed investment into our area and is the only way to get any additional funding, after years of austerity.

“The ambition is for our region to – rightfully – be on an equal footing with the likes of Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.”

Councillor Barry Lewis, leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “Our shared vision is for the 2.2 million people who live and work in the heart of the country to be better connected and more prosperous – addressing years of historically low investment in our region.

“Devolution brings much more control over our own area. Rather than many major decisions being made for us in London, local people would have a say in the region’s priorities.

“This is just the start, and more benefits and funding are already starting to flow – such as the Government’s recent announcement of £1.5 billion local transport funding for the new East Midlands Mayor.

“The creation of a new mayoral combined county authority will unlock the benefits of the East Midlands devolution deal and bring improved public services and a brighter future for our residents.”

To register to vote visit https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote .