Mayoral race is neck and neck
The race to become the Labour candidate for mayor of Leicester is neck and neck, new figures indicate.
Current council leader Veejay Patel and Leicester South MP Sir Peter Soulsby lead the field of five candidates with 14 and 12 councillor endorsements respectively.
Former city council leader Ross Willmott has seven named endorsements, while regeneration chief Abdul Osman has five.
The only female candidate, Rita Patel, has no councillor endorsements but said she has not been seeking them.
Local government expert Professor Colin Copus, from De Montfort University, said: "Councillors are key figures in local politics, and their endorsements show how Labour's influencers are thinking.
"They're figureheads in their wards and will no doubt be working to persuade party members to vote a specific way.
"It remains to be seen whether councillor endorsements will translate into success at the ballot box, but it's certainly shaping up to be an exciting contest."
About 8,000 Labour Party members will be eligible to take part in the vote for Labour's mayoral candidate on March 5.
The person selected will become the bookmakers' favourite to win the public ballot on May 5.
Some councillors appear to be backing more than one candidate, while some of the 40 Labour members who sit on the city council have not revealed who they are backing.
Coun Veejay Patel said: "Running Leicester should be a team effort and I want to work with the public, councillors and party members to help our city prosper.
"It is good news that many of my colleagues are backing me, but it is party members and the people of Leicester I need behind me if I am to become mayor."
Sir Peter said: "I'm very encouraged by the support I've got so far from right across the city.
"There is a very clear appetite for change and a new way of doing things in the city."
Coun Willmott said that while he had seven councillors as named backers, 10 more were planning to make him their first choice but did not want to be named.
Ms Patel, a former boss of the Peepul Centre, in Belgrave, Leicester, said: "I don't have any councillor endorsements but I haven't been seeking them.
"I want to engage with party members."
A hustings event is due to be held on the weekend of February 26 and 27, at which all five candidates will address party members.
The Conservative and Liberal Democrat groups in the city are due to select their candidates this month.
14 Comments
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by Kulgan, Crydee
Thursday, February 17 2011, 7:06AM
“@J,
If you have received yours (if you are to get one) and have replied, then there is no need to ask. ;)”
by ratilal patel, leicester
Wednesday, February 16 2011, 10:46PM
“We know this all politicions very well olso we know who are god father in local labour party so think about it who are better.”
by j, leic
Wednesday, February 16 2011, 7:52PM
“Kulgan, how come you don't ask me if I've received mine?!”
by David, Great Easton, Rural Leicestershire.
Wednesday, February 16 2011, 4:33PM
“These candidates do not appear bothered by the cost of all that is attached to this 'Elected Mayor' system, not just the vote but also the actual additional cost to the taxpayer for this new position.
In view of the current economic plight of our nation wouldn't it be a good idea if no-one stood? This surely would save thousands of pounds.”
by Kulgan, Crydee
Wednesday, February 16 2011, 2:16PM
“It is funny that. How certain kinds of mail get through. ;)
He has just sent a reply to me. He says he will resend it now.”
by m, le3
Wednesday, February 16 2011, 2:06PM
“newsletter@email.thisisleicestershire.co.uk manage to send me spam with no problems. ;)”
by Kulgan, Crydee
Wednesday, February 16 2011, 1:44PM
“You will understand when you do receive it. If your registered email is up to date then you should have received it.
I will let him know that you haven't received it.”
by m, le3
Wednesday, February 16 2011, 1:32PM
“No mystery emails.”
by Kulgan, Crydee
Wednesday, February 16 2011, 1:27PM
“I agree M of LE3.
There are 'safe seats' for most of the political parties. The most important thing as you quite rightly say is that people actually use their vote.
By the way, did you email Adam Wakelin?”
by sayed, belgrave
Wednesday, February 16 2011, 12:00PM
“WE WANT ABDDUL OSMAN AS A FIRST MAYOR , ALL BROTHERS VOTE FOR ABDDULBHAI WHEN PARTY ASK TO VOTE”