News / Politics
Dan Norris named Labour ‘Mayor of the Year’
Dan Norris said he was pleased “to put our amazing region on the map” as he was named Labour’s ‘Mayor of the Year’ by Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises for Labour (SME4Labour) for 2023.
The elected metro mayor of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) was praised for his efforts in supporting businesses in the region and “listening to people on the ground”.
Norris, a former Labour MP, became the region’s second metro mayor in May 2021 and has responsibilities in housing, skills and transport.
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In 2023, the politician has introduced a new grants scheme to tackle the city’s shoplifting “epidemic”, free bus travel for residents during their birthday month and pioneered an art project that combines chocolate, sculpture and history.
SME4Labour is an organisation which seeks to strengthen relations between businesses and the Labour Party.
The award came on the same day that a WECA meeting discussing claims he unlawfully spent £10,000 on a bus advert was due to take place.
A First Bus was wrapped in pictures of Norris to promote a free bus travel scheme – image: WECA
Norris is one of six Labour metro mayors across the country, the most notable Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester.
Responding to the news of his accolade, Norris said: “People and businesses in the West of England have faced a particularly tough couple of years but they constantly inspire me through their innovation and resilience.
“What matters to me about this award is that it puts our amazing region on the map. People who this time next year could well be sitting around the Cabinet table got to hear about our part of the world.
“I truly understand the strains everyone is facing and pledge again as a Labour Mayor to do all I can.
“Coupled with a Labour Government with a serious plan to get our economy growing again I believe we can go even further to build that brighter future that all West of England residents deserve.
Ibrahim Dogus, entrepreneur, restaurateur and co-chair of SME4Labour, said: “I’m delighted Dan Norris is Labour Mayor of the Year in recognition of his efforts to support small and medium-sized businesses in his community.
“He’s rolled up his sleeves up and genuinely listened to people on the ground, to find the best solutions.”
Main photo: WECA
Read next:
- £8m birthday buses’ scheme criticised as ‘gimmick’
- Former Labour MP Dan Norris becomes new West of England metro mayor
- Metro mayor meets Andy Burnham to discuss bus franchising
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