Would-be mayor denies missed photo-op shows he cannot win
THE CONSERVATIVE candidate in the West Yorkshire mayoral race has dismissed suggestions that not appearing on the line-up for a party event for prospective mayors means his party does not believe he can win the job.
Matthew Robinson, who was announced as the Conservative candidate for race last month, did not make the list of panellists for an event at the Tory Spring conference this weekend to “meet incumbent and prospective Conservative mayors”.
The event is described as an opportunity to “meet our fantastic candidates for the upcoming mayoral elections”, including Shaun Bailey for London, Laura Evans for Greater Manchester, and Samuel Williams for the West of England, plus incumbents Andy Street and James Palmer. But Labour sources suggested that the omission of Mr Robinson was indicative of the party’s confidence in the Yorkshire contest and described it as a “snub”.
Labour’s Tracy Brabin is currently the bookies favourite to win the election on May 6 – with results announced on Sunday, May 9 due to coronavirus extending the counting window.
But Mr Robinson said not being on the panel was “more to do with logistics and timing”. He said: “You can’t get every candidate or panellist at every event or panel discussion.”
He added: “Last week I met with Grant Shapps to discuss transport priorities for West Yorkshire, and this week I’m meeting other ministers discussing my plan for West Yorkshire and talking with voters and businesses about their priorities for the region.”
But a West Yorkshire Labour source said: “West Yorkshire needs a strong voice, not excuses. How can the Tories expect to represent local people on the national stage when their candidate can’t even get a seat at their own conference?”
Ladbrokes currently has Ms Brabin as the odds-on favourite to win the role, which would trigger a by-election in her Batley and Spen seat.