Rowan Halstead: engineer, dad, local lad – and Hull and East Yorkshire mayoral candidate

The co-leader of the Yorkshire Party sets out his vision for the area ...

I was born in Hull, I work in Hull and I live in East Yorkshire. Throughout my time in the armed forces, I had the privilege of working and travelling across the UK and Europe. But when the time came to settle down and start a family, I returned to the region that has given me so much. This is my home and it always will be.

I do not pretend to be something I am not. I am not a career politician – and I have no desire to become one. In fact, I pledge never to serve more than two consecutive terms. Why? Because staying grounded and connected to the people I represent matters far more than clinging to power.

What I am is an engineer. My job – day in and day out – is to fix things, to solve problems and to find practical solutions. I want to bring that mindset into politics. To be pragmatic, honest and driven by outcomes – not ideology. Our region isn’t broken beyond repair. Far from it. But it does require bold leadership, fresh thinking and a collaborative approach to realise its full potential.

A key part of our future lies in bridging the gap between education and industry. That’s why I would introduce a dedicated East Yorkshire Apprenticeship Scheme – a regional initiative that unites our schools, colleges and universities with local businesses to address the skills shortages holding us back.

This is not just about young people leaving education; it’s also about offering new opportunities to adults who feel left behind by years of neglect and short-term thinking from successive leaders.

East Yorkshire is rich in untapped potential – from our people to our places. Across the region, vast areas of brownfield land sit underused, while pressure continues to mount on our green spaces.

Growth and environmental protection should not be in conflict. What we need is vision. With my background in engineering, manufacturing and emerging technologies, I will work to attract cutting-edge industries to our area – creating high-quality, well-paid jobs and harnessing the expertise of our excellent local education providers to develop the workforce of tomorrow.

Hull and East Yorkshire have a unique offer for business: affordable land, a capable and willing workforce and the strategic advantage of the Humber Freeport – a global gateway for trade and investment. These are assets we must leverage, not overlook.

When it comes to housing, we must be bold. For too long, profit has been prioritised over need. I will push for the construction of real affordable homes – three-bed terraced houses with gardens, green spaces and amenities within walking distance: shops, schools, parks and pubs. Not soulless satellite estates designed only for the car. These communities should be places where our children and grandchildren can thrive, affordably – not merely aspire to live.

We must also embed public transport into the heart of these communities. And we need to go further. I pledge that anyone studying up to a level four qualification will have access to free public transport. No one should be denied the chance to learn or retrain because of where they live. I will work with both Hull and East Riding councils to develop a unified transport strategy, ensuring no town, village or estate is left behind.

One issue that has come up repeatedly on the campaign trail is the social isolation faced by some of our more rural communities. We cannot allow this to continue. Everyone deserves to live with dignity and connection, regardless of age or postcode. A comprehensive, east-to-west strategy must be developed – one that reflects the diversity and complexity of our region and delivers for all.

As a working parent with two young children, I understand the pressures many families are facing. When both Hull and East Riding councils raised council tax by 5% this year, I had to adjust our family budget like everyone else. That’s why I would work closely

with local authorities to promote more responsible stewardship of public funds. Ordinary residents should not be left to foot the bill. I don’t know anyone who received a 5% pay rise this year – so why should the council?

I will not introduce any new local taxes, either. My job would be to bring in investment, not take more from the people of Hull and East Yorkshire.

Any spending under my leadership would be transparent and accountable. I believe the public has a right to know exactly where their money is going. If you ever see something you don’t like – challenge me. Hold me to account. I welcome it. There are far too many backroom deals and murky decisions in politics today. I will not be part of that and won't let it be even after I am gone. That’s why I’ll build transparency into the foundations of our local government from the outset.

What I’m setting out to achieve is ambitious – but I am an ambitious person. That same drive is what led me to lead a political party, after all. And I’m proud to be the only candidate in this election who isn’t backed by a national party. Better yet, I’m backed by a local one – the Yorkshire Party. I’m just a local lad who cares deeply about this place and its people.

And finally – if I am elected mayor, I will work with all the candidates, regardless of their political affiliation. Each of them represents part of our community and every voice deserves to be heard.

Together, we can build a region that works – for everyone.