Labour selects NHS doctor as candidate for Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough election

Dr Nik Johnson will look to oust Conservative incumbent James Palmer next May in a bumper year for local elections.

The coronavirus pandemic meant that scheduled votes in 2020 on who would become the county’s next Police and Crime Commissioner, as well as contests for Peterborough City Council seats, were deferred for 12 months.

Dr Johnson has been working as a children’s doctor at Hinchingbroooke Hospital and the Oak Tree Centre in Huntingdon for the past 10 years.

He said: “I believe passionately in the idea of public service.

“In my day-to-day job I have witnessed how the health of our local population is affected by the level of provision of education and transport, housing and social care services.

“I wish to be a fresh, alternative voice, campaigning strongly and representing all the residents of Cambridgeshire.

“As a doctor I am proud to have made a positive difference to people’s lives. I hope in the future I will be able to help and support the local population in national government.”

Dr Johnson is current deputy leader of the Labour group on Huntingdonshire District Council.

Mr Palmer was elected as the first Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in 2017 after a devolution deal was agreed between the Government and local authorities in the area.

The Conservative leads the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority which was given an initial £170 million to spend on affordable housing, as well as powers over transport and adult education.

The combined authority is currently leading on the development of a new technical university in Peterborough and is likely to be granted further devolved powers over time.