The first ever election for a mayor for the East Midlands will take place in just three weeks’ time on Thursday 2 May, and people across Bolsover District are being encouraged to vote and have their voice heard.

Derbyshire, Derby, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham have opened the door to a massive investment in transport, skills, housing and the environment after securing a deal for a new combined authority – the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

EMCCA has been formed by Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council, and will be led by a mayor, similar to areas like the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire.

The mayor will have new powers and resources to begin a long-term process of growing the region’s economy by investing in skills that lead to better jobs, transport that works better across the region, housing where it’s needed, and an economy equipped to deal with net zero.

Its small team will have specific responsibilities – housing, skills, transport and the environment – and the transfer of powers means it will be doing work previously carried out by government.

It will collaborate with councils and will not duplicate what they do or provide services that are best delivered locally.

For more information about the campaign and how to vote visit Vote East Midlands Mayor (opens in anew window).