Bristow wins the mayoral race for combined authority

THE votes are in and the winner of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) mayoral election has been announced.

- By KATIE GREEN

Polling stations opened on Thursday as voters made their decision for who they wanted to be the next mayor of the county. And Paul Bristow (Conservative) was announced the winner yesterday (Friday).

Although Mr Bristow only won the overall vote in Peterborough and Huntingdonshire out of the six local authority divisions, he had a landslide victory in Peterborough and a close count in Huntingdonshire, as well as winning the overall vote.

Mr Bristow replaces former Labour mayor Dr Nik Johnson, who revealed in February he would not be standing for re-election due to health issues.

The new combined authority mayor will now make vital decisions for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, as well as provide a clear point of accountability.

The Conservatives said Mr Bristow's victory was a "significant win" after a "very difficult night". A spokesman for the party said: "Paul Bristow will be a fantastic local champion, working hard to deliver the lower taxes and better services the residents of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough deserve.