New Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow has begun his term with immediate and bold action, signalling a new era of pace and purpose at the Combined Authority.
On his first day in office, Bristow unveiled a series of sweeping changes aimed at realigning the region’s priorities with his election manifesto. Central to his agenda is a promise to “get Cambridgeshire and Peterborough moving”—a pledge that took tangible form with a decision to scrap the target of cutting car usage by 15% by 2030.
“This is about delivering for the people who live and work here,” said Mayor Bristow.
Today, I’m ending the war on motorists and making sure public money is spent where it matters.
Bristow has also suspended the existing Corporate Strategy and Mayoral pledges for a full review, signalling a strategic reset to bring the Authority’s focus in line with local needs.
Local Focus and Rail Reboot Take Centre Stage
One of the headline moves includes a proposal to the East-West Rail Company advocating for a Cambridge light rail system to connect Cambourne with the city. Bristow argues this could offer a faster, more cost-effective southern route that avoids disruption to nearby villages, while still serving the key hub of Cambridge South.
Meanwhile, Bristow is seeking to relinquish the Combined Authority’s oversight of the Greater South East Net Zero Hub, noting that most of its projects are outside the region and bring little local benefit. He wants the focus redirected towards initiatives with a direct impact on Cambridgeshire and Peterborough residents.
Additionally, the Mayor is cutting costs by downgrading the Combined Authority’s Business Board to an advisory-only role, beginning the process of removing member allowances.
With key appointments already made to support a “delivery-focused” mayoral team, Bristow is making clear that action, not bureaucracy, will define his leadership.
“These are just the first steps,” he said. “We’re putting your priorities first—and we’re getting things moving.”
