News / Politics
Darren Jones endorses Helen Godwin for metro mayor
As the shortlist for Labour’s candidate for metro mayor is reduced to three former Bristol cabinet members, one of the party’s rising stars has revealed who he is backing in the contest.
As chief secretary to the treasury, Bristol North West MP Darren Jones was widely praised for his recent appearances on the post-budget media round.
Jones has now endorsed Helen Godwin for metro mayor, saying she “uniquely has the perfect mix of experience to deliver for our region as mayor”.
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Jones said that Godwin, the former cabinet member for women, children, education and homes who currently works in local public services consulting at accountancy firm PwC, “has the politics, the professional experience and the personality to win”.
Godwin first needs to win the vote of Labour members to become her party’s official candidate, who could then face former Tory mayoral candidate Samuel Williams and a Green challenger, Mary Page, who previously spearheaded the campaign to scrap Bristol’s role of elected mayor.
She is currently campaigning against former cabinet colleagues Nicola Beech and Tom Renhard who have also been shortlisted.
Former Bristol mayor Marvin Rees and his two former deputy mayors Asher Craig and Craig Cheney are among those who have already endorsed Godwin.
Beech’s backers include former cabinet members Don Alexander and Helen Holland, councillor Kaz Self, and lawyer Marti Burgess; with Renhard receiving endorsements from members including former deputy leader of Bristol Labour councillors Amal Ali, community leader Arif Khan, and councillors Al Al-Maghrabi and Carole Johnson.
Helen Godwin and Darren Jones, who has been MP for Bristol North West since 2017 – photo: Helen Godwin
Jones said that Godwin’s “commitment to our party speaks for itself: as a campaigner, councillor, cabinet member and local leader”.
He said: “Helen’s professional experience advising other mayors across the country on how to deliver, shows she can deliver for us.
“And her ability to bring people together shows she will instantly get the support of voters, investors, business leaders and public service leaders.
“It’s vital we select a candidate that can win a tough election. But we also need a candidate that can deliver in office and get the West of England back on the national map.
“Helen is the best placed candidate to do just this.”
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Godwin said: “I’m thrilled to have Darren Jones’ backing in this selection. It’s another real vote of confidence in the movement that we’re building to win and then deliver for the West Country.
“I’m excited to continue chatting to Labour Party members across our region over the coming days and weeks.
“Their commitment to the area we call home has shone through in conversations and I plan to take the brilliant ideas that I’ve heard so far into my manifesto, if selected.
“Among local Labour parties, I have the broadest support of any candidate in this selection spread, like my family, across our region.
“I know how to win: I’ve campaigned in local, regional, and national elections in our region for many years and helped lead winning citywide campaigns for Labour.
“Together, we can do it again. Our region can build on Dan’s record and work with our Labour government to accelerate economic growth and deliver real change.”
Main photo: Darren Jones
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