The candidates vying to be Mayor of Doncaster

Doncaster will have elections for the council, parish and town councils and a directly-elected Mayor

The campaign to become the next directly-elected Mayor of Doncaster is under way and parties have announced their candidates.

Twelve hopefuls are standing in the election on Thursday, 1 May, when there will also be council elections for all wards, plus town and parish council elections for all areas.

The Mayor is chosen every four years and is elected by voters, unlike traditional council leaders who are chosen by councillors.

They lead the council and have a cabinet of councillors to support them.

The candidates who are standing are listed in alphabetical order and you can find a summary of each of their key pledges.

David Bettney – Social Democratic Party

David Bettney is standing for the Social Democratic Party

David Bettney is 54 and served in the Army for 22 years. He now works in construction and logistics, managing five companies.

"I was born in Mexborough and grew up on a council estate. Many of my soldiers came from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds, but with the right leadership, they became amazing people.

"If we start to fix societal behaviour from the ground up, we will have a far better society.

"I don't care which communities get upset about what I'd have to say, as I want our children protected. I fully support a national inquiry into the grooming gangs.

"I intend to create jobs. I'll make sure that wherever possible, the council uses local firms to supply products and services."

Frank Calladine - British Democratic Party

Frank Calladine is standing for the British Democratic Party

Frank Calladine was born and bred in Doncaster. The 42-year-old works for his family-run business in Mexborough.

"I have lived in Doncaster my entire life; this city is my heart and soul. Local housing should prioritise Doncaster residents and veterans over migrants.

"No more buildings on the Green Belt or flood plains, new developments should only occur on brownfield sites. We should protect agricultural and ancient woodland.

"I call for a public inquiry into grooming gangs.

"We must stop outsourcing council services and bring them in-house. I oppose Conisbrough and Moss solar panel farms and Thorpe Marsh battery storage.

"The Mayor's cabinet should be talent-based and reduced from nine to five members."

Andy Hiles - Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition

Andy Hiles is the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition candidate

Andy Hiles is 57, a painter and decorator, a lifelong trade union activist and a welfare rights adviser representing people at appeals and tribunals.

"I am standing for TUSC to offer a real socialist alternative to the Starmer Labour government which is continuing Tory austerity policies by cutting the winter fuel allowance for pensioners and cutting disability benefits.

"I'm against the divisive anti-working class policies of Reform UK who vote against improving workers' rights and then blame migrants.

"After 14 years of swingeing cuts to Doncaster jobs and services, as a socialist mayor I would lead a campaign to win the funding needed to carry out a people's budget to provide employment, apprenticeships, housing and public services to meet the needs of Doncaster people."

Nick Fletcher – Conservative Party

Nick Fletcher is standing for the Conservative Party

Nick Fletcher, 52, is a former Doncaster MP and local businessman.

"I'm standing for Mayor to stop the spiral of decline, especially in the town centre where beggars and anti-social behaviour are rife.

"I campaigned hard to save the airport and will always put Doncaster first, fighting for local issues.

"The Mayor of Doncaster can't stop the boats, but the Mayor can stop the rot.

"For too long, people here have been forgotten.

"I am determined to make Doncaster safe again and also to make Doncaster great again. It's time for a change."

Ahsan Jamil – Workers Party of Britain

Ahsan Jamil is standing for the Workers Party of Britain

Ahsan Jamil is 41 and is a self-employed international travel and tourism organiser based in Doncaster and central London

"My aim is to engage residents into reasonable jobs at Doncaster Airport and establish a university for the students of Doncaster and nearby areas.

"Long NHS queues will be cut down by appointing extra medical staff and consultants in hospitals and medical centres of Doncaster.

"All immigrants should be given full right of work so they can be productive for our city.

"I want to unite and integrate with all religious communities to establish a friendly and tolerable environment.

"Drug addicts will be provided with proper care in a friendly environment. Local businesses will be given reasonable grants."

Alexander Jones – Reform UK

Alexander Jones is standing for Reform UK

Alexander Jones, 30, is self-employed at the company WitnessInvest Ltd and is an occasional model.

"Doncaster requires a Mayor that prioritises the needs of its residents who want safer streets, jobs and upskilling opportunities, financial prosperity, and wellbeing.

"I want to lead the future of Doncaster by improving infrastructure and housing, protecting existing businesses whilst also attracting emerging sectors such as AI.

"The Labour-led council is broken; spending money on bureaucracy and unnecessary projects whilst not investing sufficiently in vital services, and facing interest payments on debt of £48,000 daily.

"This isn't good enough and must change. The people of Doncaster matter, they deserve a smarter, leaner council that works for everybody. Doncaster needs Reform."

Ros Jones – Labour Party

Ros Jones is standing for the Labour Party

Ros Jones, 75, was first elected as Mayor in May 2013 and was re-elected in 2017 and 2021.

"Being your Mayor has been the greatest privilege of my life.

"Doncaster is such a special place, and it deserves an experienced Mayor who will deliver for local people.

"We have already achieved so much together, but there is still work to be done.

"At this election, only a Labour Mayor can give Doncaster a seat at the table and deliver for our city and our communities."

Mihai Melenciuc – Liberal Democrats

Mihai Melenciuc is standing for the Liberal Democrats

Mihai Melenciuc is 37 and works in the commercial haulage industry.

"Labour and the Conservatives have let Doncaster down for years. Too many people are struggling to get the healthcare they need, I'll be fighting to improve local NHS so that everyone has access to an NHS dentist.

"I will tackle the cost-of-living crisis locally and ensure the reopened airport is a commercial success. My priorities include boosting jobs, investing in public services and creating a greener, safer city.

"I promise to listen and lead with transparency and accountability. As a local father and former school governor, I understand Doncaster's needs and I'm ready to deliver a better, fairer future for all."

Richie Vallance – Independent

Richie Vallance is an Independent candidate

Richie Vallance is 44 and has a long-term disability. He is a volunteer in the community.

"I'm your only independent candidate who is free from party politics and rule that has decimated our beloved city.

"I do not have a team or money to burn. All I have to offer is myself, practical common sense and to do what is right for Doncaster and be held accountable.

"I would forfeit my salary to a basic minimum wage, including expenses and donate a large proportion of it to a local children's charity

"My key pledges are to freeze council tax, tackle anti-social behaviour, restore the market and city centre and overhaul highways and traffic systems."

Andrew Walmsley – Yorkshire Party

Andrew Walmsley is standing for the Yorkshire Party

Andrew Walmsley, 35, works as a design engineer in vehicle conversions.

"I joined the Yorkshire Party because I believe in stronger local powers and fairer funding.

"The devolution bill gives councils more powers over adult skills training. A key focus must be on having training providers for the reopening airport.

"I also want to see more adult and 16-19 technical training - it forms a great foundation for many career paths.

"I'm a worker in Doncaster just like you. I want decisions to be made here and I will use my powers and influence as mayor to fight for stronger devolution and fairer funding for Doncaster."

Doug Wright – Health and Social Party

Doug Wright is the Health and Social Party candidate

Doug Wright, 81, is a retired Unison branch secretary.

"Since my days as a trade unionist and campaigner, public service has always been at the heart of my politics and principles.

"I've always believed people should share equally in the country's wealth; that we should help those who can't help themselves, and we can achieve more as a community than we can as individuals.

"We need a bold and radical plan that delivers real change for Doncaster. It should offer a new way of serving the public – one that puts people back at the heart of everything we do and fighting to keep our health and social care system."

Julie Buckley is also standing for the Green Party and has been approached for this article.

The full list of all the candidates, including those standing for the council and parish elections, can be found at Doncaster Council.

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