A new political chapter began as Paul Bristow was elected Mayor of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, marking a Conservative return after four years of Labour leadership. He won by over 10,500 votes, aided by the switch to First Past the Post voting. The full result reflects the region’s political diversity: Conservatives 28%, Reform UK 23%, Labour and Liberal Democrats 20% each, Greens 9%.
Local Roots, National Profile
Bristow, 46, brings a mix of local familiarity and Westminster experience. Raised in Cambridgeshire, he joined the Conservatives at 16 and became MP for Peterborough in 2019 before losing the seat in 2024.
Bristow now leads one of the UK’s most complex Combined Authorities, with a population of around 920,000 and a governance structure spanning both upper and lower-tier councils that is set to evolve significantly in coming years given wider plans for local government restructuring.
New Powers, Shifting Landscape
His election coincides with proposed changes under the Devolution White Paper, which could grant mayors new powers to “call in” strategic planning applications and lead Spatial Development Strategies (SDS). These powers would give Bristow greater influence over infrastructure, planning, and economic growth.
‘Jumping Straight In’: Bristow’s Agenda
Bristow has pledged to “jump straight in,” focusing on infrastructure and transport. His six-point plan includes dualling major A-roads (A10, A47, A141), boosting train services, delivering the Fens Reservoir, freezing the mayoral precept, opposing road charges, and developing a light rail system in Cambridge.
But not all transport schemes are on his wishlist. Bristow has committed to dismantling the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) and scrapping a number of its key projects – including the CSET and C2C busways.
This could have lasting impacts on the region’s development plans, particularly as these projects were essential for managing the growing population and facilitating sustainable housing growth.
A vocal opponent of the East Park Energy Solar Farm, Bristow supports renewable projects on brownfield and rooftop sites. He has also voiced opposition to large-scale rural housing, favouring community-led development.
Political Realignment in Action
Bristow’s win reflects broader realignment in UK politics. While Reform UK claimed Conservative strongholds up and down the country, Bristow was able to win back Cambridgeshire & Peterborough for the Tories with the anti-road charging, pro-localism rhetoric that has benefitted Reform as the change candidates elsewhere.
Challenges on the Horizon
Bold pledges come with big expectations. Delivering on infrastructure, planning, and transport will require significant funding, coordination, and political will – especially in a Combined Authority where the Conservatives are in the minority.
Moreover, many of Bristow’s priorities clash with national and regional trends around active travel, green energy, and housebuilding, and the potential lack of alignment on key development priorities could lead to tension.
Adding to the complexity, the Liberal Democrats have gained overall control of Cambridgeshire County Council. This new dynamic introduces an additional layer of political negotiation, particularly in areas like transport and climate policy, where the Lib Dems are likely to take a more progressive stance.
Bristow’s victory also places Cambridgeshire’s relationship within the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor under scrutiny. Bristow’s policies could influence the region’s collaboration with central government on infrastructure projects, as his combative political style may challenge the level of trust and funding from Westminster.
The Final Word
Paul Bristow has made it clear: he doesn’t intend to govern quietly. The coming months will reveal whether his outspoken, hands-on style can overcome structural hurdles.
For Bristow, building consensus across party lines will be essential if he’s to turn campaign promises into practical achievements.
by James Wood
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