Looking at London, you can see the positive impact that the Mayor has had, fighting the capital's corner on the national stage and ensuring that those parts of the capital which aren't high profile get a fair shake. Cumbria needs a strong, accountable, leader like that.
Cumbria is rapidly turning into an economic powerhouse with tens of billions being invested up and down our coastline on energy, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and engineering projects. An elected mayor would help to sell that message to the world and make the case to central government that they cannot afford to neglect us. On infrastructure alone – the A590 and A595 spring to mind – a joined-up approach would help make the case to central government that funds need to be spent to make these roads safer now.
A mayor would completely change the way Cumbria is governed. Cumbrians would have a far greater say over the political issues that matter most to them. And a mayor would bring clear, transparent leadership to our county. We need a strong voice who can work across the political and regional boundaries of Cumbria to deliver for us all.
I met Boris Johnson a few days ago to discuss how he brought accountability to London and managed Olympic-sized levels of investment flowing to the East of the capital. We have similar sums of money flowing into Cumbria – it would be a boon for our area to have the leadership in place to ensure that this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is not wasted.
A mayor for Cumbria would be cheaper than the status quo, more accountable, and put power back into the hands of voters.
I urge all Cumbrians to back this campaign and get behind the Cumbria YES campaign.