Labour names candidate for new mayor role

Cheshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has been named as Labour's candidate to become Cheshire and Warrington's first mayor.

Dan Price has been PCC since 2024 and his role will be abolished as part of government reforms in 2028.

Cheshire and Warrington will elect its first mayor under the devolution deal.

Businessman Ben Fletcher has already been named as the Conservative candidate for the election in May 2027.

Cheshire and Warrington's combined authority came into force last month, and covers the areas of Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington councils.

Dan Price, who lives in Warrington with his husband and son, has previously been a councillor in the town and will continue in his PCC role until the position is abolished in two years.

He is a senior engineer, and worked for global firms in pharmaceutical engineering.

Dan Price said one of his key priorities would be to make sure young people have "the skills, jobs and homes to want to stay in Cheshire and build a life for themselves".

"Cheshire has so much to offer and even more potential – incredible heritage and cutting-edge innovation side by side," he said.

"Devolution is a real opportunity to build on our strengths as a county. I would relish the opportunity to deliver that as mayor."

Ben Fletcher is the Conservative candidate, while the other major parties have not yet named their candidates.

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