Voters in coastal towns like Hornsea and Withernsea will play a key part in deciding who becomes the first elected mayor of the new Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority next week – a role that promises greater powers, funding and focus on regional priorities.
The election, taking place on Thursday, May 1, marks a major shift in how the area is governed. The new mayor will oversee investment in transport, housing, skills and economic development – and lead efforts to address long-standing inequalities across the region.
Both Hornsea and Withernsea have seen investment in recent years, with projects aimed at boosting tourism, improving public spaces and supporting community hubs. Withernsea, for example, has benefited from nearly £470,000 in public funding since 2020, while Hornsea has also been the focus of regeneration work aimed at attracting more visitors and businesses.
Despite this, challenges remain. Withernsea continues to face high levels of deprivation, poor health outcomes and the county’s highest rate of empty shops and leisure units. In Hornsea, seasonal work, limited transport links and a lack of affordable housing have held back growth. These shared concerns are now in the spotlight, with both towns named in a new £15 million coastal regeneration programme being developed under the combined authority.
East Riding Council’s interim chief executive, Alan Menzies, has said the devolution deal provides a real chance to tackle funding barriers that coastal communities have faced for years.
Six candidates are in the running: Luke Campbell (Reform UK), Kerry Harrison (Green), Anne Handley (Conservative), Rowan Halstead (Yorkshire Party), Margaret Pinder (Labour), and Mike Ross (Liberal Democrat).
The winner will be expected to deliver on the promise of levelling up – and make sure coastal communities aren’t left behind.