News / Dan Norris
Dan Norris to seek selection as Labour parliamentary candidate
The metro mayor for the West of England has confirmed his intention to seek selection as Labour’s parliamentary candidate for North East Somerset & Hanham.
Dan Norris was an MP for the former Wansdyke constituency in Somerset before returning to politics when he was elected as the regional mayor in May 2021.
The politician told Bristol24/7 that if his bid to stand in the newly-formed North East Somerset & Hanham constituency is successful then he intends to work both jobs concurrently.
is needed now More than ever
Norris said: “There are examples across the country of metro mayors being in Parliament as MPs for many years.
“One current metro mayor has just joined the House of Lords. When I was last in Parliament, I was a government minister too – as all ministers have to be. I know from direct experience I would be able to continue to provide a top-quality service for constituents.”
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The Bristol City fan, who lives near Pensford, beat Conservative Samuel Williams into second place in the metro mayoral elections in May 2021, taking over the role from Tory Tim Bowles. Norris presides over the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), which has spending powers over transport, homes, skills and employment and the environment.
The next metro mayoral elections are due to be held in 2025, while a general election is expected later this year.
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees has already thrown his hat into the ring to stand for parliament in the new constituency of Bristol North East, but was beaten by Damien Egan, who grew up in Bristol but is currently mayor of Lewisham in London.
On the day Norris confirmed his intention to stand for selection, Egan was announced as Labour’s candidate for the Kingswood by-election, following the resignation of Conservative MP Chris Skidmore.
Speaking about his intention to throw his hat into the ring, Norris said: “I do intend to seek selection as Labour’s candidate in North East Somerset and Hanham. Who is the candidate is a choice for local Labour members who I have huge respect for. I know they’ll be carefully weighing up the options.
“The new seat is very similar to the former constituency of Wansdyke I previously represented with parts of South Gloucestershire plus Keynsham and the rolling countryside of North East Somerset. It’s an area I’m deeply rooted in and very proud to call home.
“I really care about the richly diverse communities here. If selected, I would do all I could to earn the trust of local people to be able to represent them in Keir Starmer’s Labour Party in Parliament.”
Dan Norris told Bristol24/7 that if his bid to stand in the newly-formed North East Somerset & Hanham constituency is successful then he intends to work both jobs concurrently – photo: WECA
Main photo: West of England Combined Authority
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