South Yorkshire Mayor: Labour reveals when it will select its candidate as Dan Jarvis stands down

Current Metro Mayor Dan Jarvis is standing down in May 2022 following a four year term.

Voters across South Yorkshire will be asked to elect a new Mayor and political parties are starting to choose their candidates.

It’s understood Labour is now inviting applications from party members with a deadline of Wednesday, November 17.

Shortlisting interviews are likely to be in December then party members will choose the candidate during January.

The candidate won’t be announced until the end of January, three months before the election.

The Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and the Conservatives have yet to announce their candidates. Simon Biltcliffe from Barnsley has been selected to stand for the Yorkshire Party.

Dan Jarvis was elected to the mayoral role in 2018, when it was created, but it took another two years for the devolution deal to be formally approved by Parliament because the four South Yorkshire councils couldn’t agree.

Mr Jarvis has been criticised because he also remained as MP for Barnsley Central but he said he never planned to carry out the dual role in the long term.

There are currently nine regional Metro Mayors in England, who have limited powers over economic development, transport, planning and skills.

It’s a political role for a four year term unlike a Lord Mayor which is a ceremonial, impartial role for just one year.