THE Green Party has formally announced its candidate for May’s metro mayor elections in the West of England.

Darren Hall, who stood for the party in the 2015 parliamentary elections as its candidate for Bristol West, will vie for the chance to be elected as metro mayor for the region representing the South Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset areas.

Welcoming his selection Darren Hall said: “I am honoured to have been selected by Green Party members from across the Bristol and Bath area to represent them in this role.

“I passionately believe though that this isn’t about local politics, there is an incredibly important job of work to do.

“This is about practical, positive change to ensure Bristol and Bath have a prosperous long-term future.

“Our region is home to top quality jobs in design, technology, finance and legal sectors but we have to make sure they are fit for the future, as well as offering opportunities for all those that aren’t currently part of that success story.

“This position of Metro Mayor is a fantastic opportunity for us to have a greater say in how we direct millions of pounds of investment into the infrastructure, planning and education that can, and must, put local communities first.”

As well as North Somerset Council, which voted against the proposal, the three authorities were offered a £900m deal over 30 years to invest in key areas, in the March Budget.

Through devolution, the councils will be given additional powers in a number of areas, including housing and transport.

Molly Scott Cato South West MEP and Green Party parliamentary candidate for Bristol West said: “Having worked with Darren during his Bristol West parliamentary campaign in 2015 I saw how he reached out to thousands of people, securing 26 per cent of the vote in the constituency.

“He has a natural charisma and an affinity to the neighbourhoods in and around Bristol.

“As a MEP I can see the need for regional cooperation and planning and I am convinced that Darren, as a Green metro mayor, is the right person to fulfil that role.”