Middlesbrough mayoral elections: Independent throws his hat into ring

Another hat has been thrown into the ring for the mayoral elections in Middlesbrough.

Michael J. Carr - who stood against current elected mayor Ray Mallon in 2011 - has announced today that he will stand in the May 7 election.

He now joins fellow mayoral candidates Cllr Dave Budd (Labour), Andy Preston (Independent), Cllr Len Junier (Independent), Lloyd Cole-Nolan (Conservative), Dave Roberts (Independent) and David Masterman (Green) in the fight to succeed Mr Mallon.

Mr Carr, who stood for Labour in the last election but intends to stand as an Independent this time, said: “I am pleased to announce that I will be seeking election as Middlesbrough Mayor.

“I challenged Mayor Mallon four years ago, when few others would and I received an amazing level of support.

“I now hope to fight for the right to represent people as I did in the past; when I served as a Middlesbrough councillor for 16 years. I held many senior positions including Middlesbrough Mayor; a civic role that I am very proud to have held.

“Things are different now but my children are still educated in Middlesbrough and I have lived here all of my adult life - I understand the town and how much potential it has.

“I live here, work and socialise in local places including the Riverside Stadium and I know what local families worry about.

“I hope local people will support me as an independent candidate, accountable to the people of my town - people who deserve better than they have had so far.”

He said he was not standing for Labour this time as “party members were not given the chance to shortlist me” but he said he was “happy” with that decision.

The dad-of-four added: “The fact is, I have left party politics. I joined more than 30 years ago and now I have left old style party politics behind - free to serve only the electorate. “I decided some time ago that no party any longer plays an important part in local government. Other resignations locally in recent weeks have helped to confirm my decision had been the right one.”

He said his priorities as mayor included building “better housing, roads and rail links” and “to build a positive reputation as the best place to live to live and learn”.