The candidates hoping to become the next Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough faced off in a live debate hosted by BBC Radio Cambridgeshire at Anglia Ruskin University’s Peterborough campus. With just weeks to go until voters head to the polls, the debate saw sharp exchanges on everything from public transport to the housing crisis.
Chaired by presenter Chris Mann, the 90-minute discussion featured all five contenders: Anna Smith (Labour), Paul Bristow (Conservative), Lorna Dupre (Liberal Democrat), Bob Ensch (Green), and Ryan Coogan (Reform UK).
Public Transport, Skills, and Housing Take Centre Stage
There was strong agreement that the region’s skills shortage must be addressed. Reform UK’s Ryan Coogan described the gap as “huge,” calling for better alignment between training and job opportunities. Green candidate Bob Ensch, drawing on his construction background, pushed for “more investment” in vocational education.
But inadequate public transport loomed large as a barrier to progress. “People can’t access training if they can’t get there,” warned Lorna Dupre, who labelled the transport network “dire.” Anna Smith echoed the concern, sharing stories from her time as a teacher about students struggling to reach courses. Paul Bristow called for an end to “bungling procurement” and a complete rethink of bus routes.
Housing was another hot topic. Candidates agreed that growth must work for existing communities. Bristow stressed the need for local benefit, while Ensch blasted “tired old parties” for failing to tackle the crisis, promising to force developers to build more affordable homes. Dupre and Coogan both raised a critical environmental issue: the region’s growing water shortage, questioning whether infrastructure can support large-scale development.
Mayoral Role Under Fire Amid ‘Toxic’ Campaign
In a rare moment of unity, candidates questioned whether the mayoral role has been effective. Dupre went as far as pledging to try to scrap the position entirely. Bristow declared the role “not a success”, while Smith insisted it remained “vital” for regional leadership.
The tone of the campaign also came under scrutiny, with accusations of “mudslinging” and “pointless point-scoring” flying between candidates. But despite the friction, all agreed: voters care most about practical solutions for local issues.
