Cheshire and Warrington, UK – The Conservative Party has named prominent business leader Ben Fletcher as its candidate for the inaugural Cheshire and Warrington combined authority mayoral election, a significant step in the region’s devolution journey.
Fletcher, currently the Chief Finance and Transformation Officer at The Very Group, brings a wealth of experience from senior roles at major retail organizations, including Boots, Clarks Shoes, and Procter & Gamble. His selection marks a strategic move by the party to field a candidate with substantial boardroom expertise to lead the newly formed combined authority.
A New Era of Governance for Cheshire and Warrington
The Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority is poised to become a new governing body with devolved powers, aiming to drive economic growth, improve transport, and enhance skills and housing across the region. The authority will oversee a substantial budget of £600 million over the next 30 years, enabling strategic investment in key areas identified as vital for the sub-region’s future prosperity. The establishment of this authority and the subsequent mayoral election are part of a wider government initiative to empower local leaders and bring decision-making closer to communities.
The mayoral election, now confirmed to take place in May 2027, will see voters choose the first directly elected mayor to lead this new combined authority. This role will be pivotal in shaping the region’s agenda on both national and international stages, akin to the functions performed by mayors in other major city regions across the UK.
Ben Fletcher’s Extensive Business Acumen
Ben Fletcher’s career is characterized by a consistent track record of leadership and financial oversight in complex, large-scale business environments. As Group Chief Financial Officer at The Very Group, a major online retailer, he has navigated significant challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, demonstrating resilience and strategic planning. His prior roles include being the European President at Clarks Shoes, where he was responsible for substantial investments and digital expansion, and his tenure at Walgreens Boots Alliance, where he served as CEO of Boots Opticians, growing market share and profitability.
Fletcher also spent over a decade in senior finance positions at Procter & Gamble, gaining global experience. This extensive background in financial management, investment, and operational strategy makes him a strong contender, offering a vision of practical, results-driven leadership. His experience in boardrooms, raising investment, and delivering complex plans is seen as a key asset for the mayoral role.
A Vision for Regional Growth and Collaboration
Fletcher has expressed his honor at being selected and emphasized the significant opportunity for Cheshire and Warrington. He stated his intention to leverage his proven experience to unite stakeholders – businesses, local councils, and communities – to unlock the region’s full potential. His stated priorities include focusing on fundamental areas such as jobs, skills development, local transport infrastructure, and housing solutions. He believes that by addressing these core issues effectively, Cheshire and Warrington can significantly enhance its competitiveness and ensure that the benefits of growth are felt by all residents.
His vision aligns with the broader aims of devolution, which seeks to tailor policies and investments to the specific needs and opportunities of the region, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach from Westminster. As a business leader and entrepreneur, Fletcher has also been involved in policy discussions, previously serving on the board of the British Retail Consortium and advocating for the sector’s concerns at the highest levels of government.
Political Background and Devolution Context
This mayoral candidacy is not Fletcher’s first foray into public service. He previously stood as the Conservative candidate for the Crewe and Nantwich constituency in the General Election, demonstrating his commitment to serving the local area. His background also includes significant involvement in education and charity work, serving as a trustee for the National Literacy Trust and chairing educational networks, highlighting a dedication to improving life chances and community well-being.
The establishment of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority has been a collaborative effort involving Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Warrington Borough Council. While each council will continue to operate as usual, the combined authority will provide a strategic, regional layer of governance. Business leaders and organizations, such as the Cheshire and Warrington Business Advisory Board, have voiced strong support for the devolution deal, emphasizing its potential to unlock significant funding and decision-making power for local priorities and foster an inclusive economy.
Fletcher’s selection signals the Conservative Party’s intent to champion candidates with robust commercial backgrounds in regional leadership races. The upcoming mayoral election is anticipated to be a key contest, with Fletcher aiming to bring his extensive business leadership experience to the forefront of public service, promising to drive growth and deliver tangible benefits for Cheshire and Warrington.
