The Labour Party’s epic internal selection contest to find its candidate for the Leicester Mayoral election in May, concluded dramatically over the weekend. Sir Peter Soulsby, who has been the MP for Leicester South since 2005, but was previously council Leader for 17 years, won a five way contest, beating current council Leader Veejay Patel who came third, and former leader Ross Willmott who was runner up.
Sir Peter immediately announced his resignation from Parliament, as bookies made him the favourite to win the Mayoral election. The Leicester Mercury reports that Cllr Ross Grant is the Conservative candidate. The Liberal Democrats have not yet selected their candidate. The Mayor of Leicester will have a large personal mandate, second only to Boris Johnson, making it a powerful post. Whoever prevails in the election will become a prominent voice in local government.
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