The business network Nottingham Partners is set to host a debate between the three mayoral candidates standing for the new East Midlands County Combined Authority (EMCCA).
The three mayoral candidates will go head-to-head in a hustings at the city’s new event space, Upstairs at Cleaver & Wake in Nottingham on Friday, February 2. The debate will give the candidates a chance to set out their stall to secure the endorsement and support of business leaders in the region.
The East Midlands County Combined Authority election takes place on Thursday, May 2, with residents from across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire voting for the first ever East Midlands Mayor. The new Mayor will head up the newly formed EMCCA, which will sit above the existing councils and devolved powers in areas including transport, skills, regeneration, and economic development. The EMCCA could, reportedly, bring up to £4 billion to the region over the next 30 years.
The three candidates, Claire Ward (Labour), Cllr Ben Bradley MP (Conservative), and Matthew Relf (Independent) will all have the chance to put their vision for the region to those in the business community at the event on February 2.
Megan Powell Vreeswijk, CEO of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire said: “It’s a huge privilege for us to be hosting this crucial mayoral debate in collaboration with Cleaver & Wake who are valued members of Nottingham Partners through the Island Quarter. This is a great opportunity for business leaders and organisations to hear directly from the mayoral candidates.
“The EMCCA will have an impact on all we do across our region and so it’s important that businesses understand how this will affect them. We’re proud to be giving them a voice and forum to discuss these important matters.
“This is just one of many events that Nottingham Partners hosts throughout the year, helping the business community to stay informed and shape the big conversations that are happening.”
The East Midlands Mayoral Debate is taking place on Friday, February 2, from 8am at Cleaver & Wake. Tickets are available to purchase here

Pictured are the three mayoral candidates standing for the new East Midlands County Combined Authority, from the left, Claire Ward, Ben Bradley, and Matthew Relf.

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