from and for our region

I'm proud to be from and for our region. It's home.

I grew up in Begbrook, have family across the West Country, and have support from people in every part of our area.

Together, our region can build on Dan's record and work with our Labour government to accelerate economic growth and deliver real change.

We can start a new chapter for the West of England.

Watch a Closed Captions version of this video on my Facebook or Twitter.

why I’m standing to be your mayor

Helen Godwin, the Labour candidate for the Mayor of the West of England, is pictured, smiling.
Helen Godwin (centre right), the Labour candidate for Mayor of the West of England, is pictured with Keir Starmer (centre left) in a group photo with Marvin Rees (right)..
Helen Godwin, the Labour candidate for Mayor of the West of England, is pictured, speaking into a microphone.

I’m proud to be from and for our region. I was born here, I’m raising my kids here, and have family spread across the West Country.

I’ve delivered change: I’ve protected and invested in frontline services as a Labour cabinet member in Bristol despite the very worst of national Tory austerity, and worked with other regions’ mayors and their teams to improve public services. I’m ready to do it again.

I’m the credible candidate: I will bring investors, businesses, local leaders, and the government to the table. I have the relationships to really deliver for our communities.

As the authentic, local voice from our part of the world, I can work with the Labour government to secure more investment. Other mayors are delivering new trains, new trams, and new jobs. 

We need more of that ambition here in our region. It’s time for change. It’s time for a new chapter for the West of England.

Whether in business or politics, I have a reputation as someone who makes things happen. My plan for our region, as your Labour Mayor, is simple:

Stronger relationships locally and nationally:

  • No gimmicks, no ego

  • An open-to-ideas policy

  • Learning from other regions

  • Getting the best for the West from government

Revamped transport:

  • Reliable buses for every area

  • More trains

  • Free travel for 16- to 19-year-olds

  • Extended Diamond Passes

  • Safe and step-free transport

  • Integrated ticketing

  • Delivering the mass transit solutions we need

True opportunity:

  • Bringing education, trade unions, and businesses together

  • Attracting greater investment, innovation, and growth

  • Bringing our high streets back to life

  • Creating green jobs

  • Championing the care economy

Thriving communities:

  • Tackling the housing crisis

  • Mixed, intergenerational communities

  • Protecting green space and nature

  • Improving health and wellbeing

  • Affordable childcare as infrastructure

We can build a region where people feel connected and supported, communities thrive and prosper, economic growth benefits us all, and opportunities are accessible for everyone.

I’m looking forward to speaking with fellow residents over the coming weeks, hearing your ideas. With your support, we can win again in May 2025.