At least two former MPs will battle to become the next West of England Mayor after Labour announced Dan Norris as their

candidate.

He joins Lib Dem Stephen Williams in the ballot to succeed

Conservative incumbent, Tim Bowles, who is not standing for reelection in May 2021.

Former Wansdyke MP Mr Norris narrowly beat Bristol City Council

cabinet member Cllr Helen Godwin in Labour’s selection contest.

He received 1,611 votes from regional party members ahead of Cllr Godwin on 1,558 – 50.8 per cent to 49.2 per cent.

Mr Norris tweeted: “Thank you to all @UKLabour members from across our party who supported me to be your West of England Metro Mayor.

“Now the real campaign begins. In May we face the first ever Covid election, in truly uncertain times. It is a privilege to be selected as your Labour candidate.

“These are tough times. I will listen and lead so together we can build a better future.”

Mr Norris was MP for Wansdyke from 1997 until the seat was abolished in 2010 when he lost to Jacob Rees-Mogg for the North East Somerset seat. He became a Government minister at Defra in 2009.

He said: “Two particular highlights of my thirteen years as Wansdyke MP spring to mind.

“Helping ex-coalminers obtain illness compensation was rooted personally: my Grandfather, Fred, died from lung disease – one of many miners who endured terrible conditions to create the wealth we still benefit from. 

“The then-Labour Government rightly accepted liability for miners’ health. Over 1,100 separate claims were settled in North East Somerset when I was MP, with £4.25 million in compensation for work-related illness.

“Years on, affected families still stop me in the street to tell me how much this was appreciated.

 “Carers’ Week was another highlight. I was especially proud when the Labour Government awarded funding for special North East Somerset projects to study how carers could get more respite from their daily duties. Carers sacrifice so much, stoically absorbing so many emotional and physical demands.

“I was privileged to attend local Carers’ Week events. The 24/7 work of tens of thousands of amazing local carers should be honoured all year round. 

“Yet today’s social care system is desperately underfunded. Millions become carers, despite the often negative impact on their own health, emotions, finances and social life.

“The pandemic has underlined this like nothing in living memory.  It’s a stark reminder that there is such thing as society, and that compassion, understanding and selflessness are enduring characteristics of the West of England communities which I am so proud of.

“These are the qualities I’m keen to promote should you choose me to be our area’s Metro Mayor.

“In the coming weeks I’ll set out my plans to improve life here in the West Country, particularly transport, housing and skills.

“I’d really welcome readers’ thoughts on these important matters (please email [email protected]).

“To all readers, especially those caring for us as family members, as neighbours, in the NHS, or other professional roles - from those collecting our waste and recycling, to carers who support the young, people with disabilities, older people and those requiring mental health support – I wish you a very safe and Happy Christmas.”

The Lib Dems named Stephen Williams as their Metro Mayor candidate in July.

Mr Williams was Bristol West MP from 2005 to 2015 and served as a minister for communities and local Government during the coalition Government.

The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) covers the Councils of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and also Bath & North East

Somerset.

Its Mayor is responsible for the region’s transport, planning, adult skills and business infrastructure.

Mr Bowles became the first West of England Mayor in 2017.