Mayor reflects on achievements in 2025 as she looks ahead to New Year with confidence

As we come to the end of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we have achieved together across the East Midlands – and to look ahead with confidence to what comes next in the New Year.

This year has been about laying strong foundations, writes Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward. From my first days as Mayor, I have focused on listening: visiting our towns, cities and rural communities, meeting residents, businesses, voluntary groups and local leaders to understand what matters most to them. Those conversations have shaped my priorities and reinforced a simple truth – our region’s greatest strength is its people.

We have begun to turn ambition into action. We have taken steps to improve our transport, to support our businesses, to grow tourism and to back the skills and opportunities our young people and workforce need to succeed.

Through initiatives like The Loop, we are showcasing the East Midlands to itself and to the wider world – celebrating our heritage, our landscapes and our innovation, while encouraging healthier, more sustainable ways to travel.

This year has also been about partnership. By working closely with councils, businesses, universities and community organisations, we have started to unlock new opportunities and attract investment that will help our region grow fairly and sustainably. Progress takes collaboration and I am proud of the spirit of cooperation I have seen across the East Midlands.

This Christmas and New Year period, like many of us, I am looking forward to a rest and spending some quality time with my family.

However, it is important to remember those less fortunate at this special time, particularly those without a home to call their own. This is why I was particularly pleased by the Government’s newly launched National Plan to End Homelessness and its recognition of the vital role mayors play in this work. While the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) does not deliver frontline services, it is my role to provide strong leadership so we can collaborate across local boundaries, with decisions made by people who understand our region, its challenges, but also our strengths. 

I was also proud to launch my Big Transport Conversation to shape a Transport Plan for the region – it’s not too late to tell me what works and what doesn’t and to have your say on the transport network you would like to see – click here to have your say.

Happy New Year

Looking ahead to the New Year, my focus is clear. I want to build on this momentum to deliver tangible improvements people can see and feel in their everyday lives — better transport connections, stronger local economies, thriving high streets and real pathways to good jobs. I want to ensure that growth reaches every part of our region, and that no community across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire is left behind.

There is more to do and I am under no illusion about the challenges ahead. But I am hugely optimistic. The East Midlands has talent, determination and potential in abundance. By continuing to work together, we can turn that potential into lasting progress.

Thank you to everyone who has played a part in 2025. I look forward to what we will achieve together in the New Year. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.