THE Yorkshire Party has announced that Bob Buxton has become its candidate for the inaugural West Yorkshire Mayor election, expected in May 2021.

Whoever is voted into the role will become arguably the most powerful politician in the region, with say over vast transport and education budgets.

He became Yorkshire Party leader in May and stood in the last three General Elections.

Dr Buxton, who has served on Rawdon Parish Council since 2015, said: “We will campaign on a platform of fighting for stronger, better funded devolution for Yorkshire – OneYorkshire devolution. Should a much lesser form of devolution be forced through, we will work hard to make the most of the limited powers and budget on offer to improve West Yorkshire’s transport, housing, education, environment, health and much more besides.

New name in West Yorkshire Mayor race

“We listen to local people. Expect to see Yorkshire Party street stalls throughout West Yorkshire as early as September, asking for your views to help shape our policies - dependent on what Covid-19 restrictions are necessary since safety comes before politics.

“We are the party of Yorkshire. A Yorkshire Party mayor will have no Westminster interference. No hidden agenda. If elected, I will work passionately to improve the region we live in and love, to deliver what the people of West Yorkshire tell me they want.”

Dr Buxton is a full time teacher, training engineering apprentices in Bradford