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.

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 Mars battery storage.

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

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."

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."

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."

Also standing are:

David Bettney - Social Democratic Party

Julie Buckley - Green Party

Andy Hiles - Trade Union and Socialist Coalition

Ahsan Jamil – Workers Party of Britain

Mihai Melenciuc – Liberal Democrats

Richie Vallance - Independent

Doug Wright – Independent

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

This story will include details for more candidates when they are received. Information and inquiries can be submitted to [e-mail]

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