News / Politics
Reform recruiting for metro mayor candidate
Reform are looking for “deeply patriotic” people to apply to become their candidate for May’s metro mayor election.
The position as mayor of the newly renamed West of England Mayoral Combined Authority has been held by Conservative and Labour politicians since its inception in 2017.
While other parties held internal elections to choose their candidate, Reform’s recruitment process involves a job application, with the need to submit a CV and cover letter, followed by a video interview and then an in-person panel.
is needed now More than ever
Reform did not have a candidate in the most recent metro mayor election in 2020, which was won by Labour’s Dan Norris.
Norris, now also member of parliament for North East Somerset & Hanham, is being forced to stand down in May as new Labour rules prevent MPs from having second jobs.
The current candidates for mayor are:
- Helen Godwin, Labour
- Oli Henman, Lib Dem
- Mary Page, Green
- Steve Smith, Conservative
Robert Clarke was the Reform candidate for Bristol Central in the 2024 general election – photo: Rob Browne
Reform currently have 53 councillors across the UK but none in the West Country.
Daniel Fry, a former Labour Party member and Patchway town councillor but never officially a Labour councillor, recently joined Reform, saying he will now “identify as a Reform councillor”.
In the 2024 general election, Reform’s most successful candidate in Bristol was Richard Visick (pictured top, centre) who won 14.3 per cent of the vote in Bristol South, with Anthony New winning 12.9 per cent in Bristol North East and Robert Clarke getting 3.1 per cent in Bristol Central.
“We are the fastest growing political movement in the country,” says the job advert for Reform’s mayoral candidate.
“Here at Reform, we believe the United Kingdom can once again be one of the greatest countries in the world.
“We believe our country has been failed by the political class and we intend to assemble more elected officials over the next 4 years than any political party in British history.
“We are looking for exceptional people to put themselves forward to be our candidate for the newly created elected position of Mayor of West of England
“No prior political experience is necessary, but you must be talented, have a track record solving problems in the real world and be deeply patriotic.
“Most of all you must have a huge passion for improving the lives of the people of Mayor of West of England.
“The initial application involves uploading a CV and Cover Letter.
“The best candidates will be invited to further rounds, which will include a video interview, and then an in person panel which will include local branch representatives and party leadership.
“The successful candidate will be supported with comprehensive training from the Reform Centre of Excellence.”
Main photo: Rob Browne
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