Too often, we see public authorities indulge in cultural agendas.

Full statement

From barmy HR policies like four-day weeks and armies of Diversity and Inclusion Officers - to failing to protect spaces for women. This might not involve party politics, but it’s political.

For example, Cambridge City Council promotes campaigns like Veganuary and World Vegetarian Day. Why should residents pay to be lectured about eating meat? Everyone should make their own choice. It’s none of the council’s business.

Clear rules are needed for the Combined Authority. If I become Mayor, there will be

👉 No four-day week 👉 No staff working almost entirely at home 👉 No Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) officers 👉 No pronouns in email signatures 👉 No campaign-based months, weeks or days

Instead, I’ll ensure that CPCA:

👉 Values excellence and public service 👉 Recruits entirely on merit 👉 Respects people with different views 👉 Keeps politics out of the workplace

Where possible, this will also apply to projects and activity that the authority funds others to deliver. It’s taxpayers’ money. Politics should be left to politicians.