Who is Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayoral candidate Bob Ensch?

On 1 May voters in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will decide the next Combined Authority Mayor. You can find more information about the election and the other candidates here.

Green party candidate Bob Ensch has lived in Cambridgeshire for 45 years. He is currently the programme lead for FutureIN, which gives disadvantaged young people employment opportunities in construction. He directed the Cambridge office of a national construction company for 15 years.

He also has experience at the combined authority as a non-executive director of the employment and skills board. He says he championed employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people in the region.

Ensch says he is committed to environmental stewardship and social equity. His vision includes investing in "green infrastructure, and fostering a vibrant, inclusive economy".

"We cannot ignore the looming water crisis any longer and will take action to address it," he said.

He also wants to see "more space for nature across the region".

He wants to see new housing developments using renewable energy.

He would also like to see community facilities built within new developments.

Another priority is insulating homes.

Ensch says he wants to see more buses, running more frequently on more routes, with tap-on tickets and capped fares.

He opposes building new roads and says investment should be in maintaining existing roads and "active travel".

He does not support the proposed new busways, claiming there are better solutions.

He would like to see the route of the proposed East-West rail line go north of Cambridge, instead of the current southern approach, and an additional stop in St Neots.

A focus on the cost of living crisis is something Ensch classes a priority.

He says he will 'invest to end homelessness' and 'fight for tenants rights and campaign for rent controls.'

He also wants to see more social housing.

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