Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough announces decision to step down
After overseeing the start of the franchising process for the region’s bus network, Dr Nik Johnson's confirmed he will not run for re-election in May, citing personal and health reasons.
The Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has announced he will step down at the end of his current term, following the formal signing of papers to begin franchising the region’s bus network.
The decision marks the culmination of a significant milestone in public transport reform, which the Mayor had made a central part of his election campaign in 2021.
In a statement Dr Nik Johnson described the moment as a “huge” step for the region, adding, “This marks the beginning of a new era of high-quality public transport designed and managed to meet the needs of the people, communities, and economies it serves."
Reflecting on his political journey, the Mayor called the franchising of the bus network his “biggest achievement” in office. "If getting elected as Mayor was the proudest moment of my political career, then this transformation of our public transport system is far and away my biggest achievement," he said.
However, he also acknowledged the personal and professional challenges he has faced throughout his time in office. “None of this has been easy,” he said. “I have had to contend with no shortage of challenge, conflict, and controversy along the way, all of which have taken a very heavy toll, personally, professionally, and most of all, physically.”
After discussing his future with his family, friends, Labour Party colleagues, and medical team at Papworth Hospital, the Mayor stated that he had decided not to stand for re-election in the upcoming May elections. “For my own and for my family’s sake, I know that I have to step away,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to the devolution project, stating that he would continue to support the Labour government’s efforts for national renewal, even after stepping down from his role.
The Mayor also thanked the team at the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, describing them as “a credit to themselves” and praising their contributions to the region’s development.