Five takeaways from mayor's time in the hot seat

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayor Nik Johnson is more than three years into the job

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough's mayor Nik Johnson has been in the hot seat on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

He was first elected in May 2021 and still works as a paediatrician in Huntingdon.

Dr Johnson was taking questions from Daytime presenter Chris Mann, as well as those from listeners.

Here are five takeaways from what he had to say – and you can watch the interview in full here.

1. No plans to scrap bus tax

Listener Heather in Meldreth asked whether a bus precept on council tax bills would stay, now the government has allocated £6.6m for the local authority to improve bus services.

The funding was announced this week as part of a £1bn package for buses across England.

The mayor's bus precept adds £36 a year to the annual council tax for a Band D property.

"Straight answer? No, there is no plan [to remove the precept]," said Dr Johnson, who welcomed the government's announcement.

"We need that money at the moment."

2. More space on buses

Trevor Minchley asked a question on electric buses and space for disabled passengers

Most of the questions were about buses, including Trevor Minchley's about space – he said they could often get overcrowded, especially if wheelchair users and parents with buggies both wanted to board.

Dr Johnson said more frequent buses would help with overcrowding.

"We take our responsibility to allowing public transport for all," he said.

Emma Taylor said she wanted bus services into Cambridge city centre to be more efficient and cost-effective for families.

"They are changing to a point ... we are now having increased use of the buses," said Dr Johnson.

Emma Taylor asked about the cost of bus travel for families

3. National Insurance rise 'necessary'

Turning to the national picture, Dr Johnson backed plans by Chancellor Rachel Reeves to increase the National Insurance rate for employers.

"It was a necessary decision," he said.

The move has been criticised by some businesses, including GPs who argued it could hit services for patients.

"I'm sure there will be effects," said Dr Johnson.

He said there may be times he would disagree with the government, but there was "nothing at the moment" he would not support.

4. Stress of the job did not help illness

Dr Johnson spent an hour in the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire hot seat with Daytime presenter Chris Mann

A few months into the job, Dr Johnson suffered serious complications after undergoing open heart surgery and took three months off.

He told Chris Mann the challenges of being mayor "probably contributed to some extent to making me feel unwell".

Dr Johnson said the absence was "very frustrating", but he had no doubts about coming back.

"I never felt it was something I couldn't get back from. I'm very grateful for the NHS and the people who supported me," he said.

5. Bus franchising decision next year

A consultation on whether buses in Cambridgeshire should be publicly owned – known as franchising – is open until Wednesday.

Dr Johnson hopes to make a decision on the policy before the next mayoral election in May.

He confirmed he planned to stand for re-election.

Speaking of the result, Dr Johnson said: "Will it be different? I will be standing on my record.

"It will ultimately be democracy to decide."