Following a packed hustings yesterday, Ben Fletcher has been selected as the Conservative candidate for the Cheshire and Warrington Mayoral elections, due to be held for the first time in May 2027.
Commenting on his selection, Mr Fletcher, Finance and Transformation chief at online retailer The Very Group, said: “I am honoured to have been selected as the Conservative candidate for Cheshire and Warrington Mayor.
“The opportunity we now have in Cheshire and Warrington is significant.
“This is a big role. The future direction of our area – jobs, skills, local transport and even housing. If we just get these basics right, we can unleash Cheshire and Warrington’s potential so that everyone can feel the benefit.
“I know Cheshire and Warrington has the potential to punch above its weight and compete with other leading regions. But it’s going to take leadership – and proven experience to get there. I have sat in the boardrooms of major retailers, from Boots to The Very Group – raising investment and delivering plans. That’s why I know I can bring people together to just get stuff done.
“Over the coming weeks and months, I will be out speaking to voters about my plan to deliver for Cheshire and Warrington and what their priorities are for a new Mayor.”
He is currently Chief Finance and Transformation Officer of The Very Group, the major UK online retailer. He has held that role since January 2020, and in 2023, his remit was expanded to also include heading up the continuing development of the business’ operating model and introducing new ways of working.
Mr Fletcher was previously European president at Clarks Shoes, where he was responsible for investments including a new European fulfilment centre, delivering digital expansion, and increasing colleague engagement. Prior to joining Clarks Shoes, he was at Walgreens Boots Alliance for six years, where he was CEO of Boots Opticians. Between 1999 and 2011, Ben held a series of senior finance positions at Procter & Gamble worldwide.
He sits on the board of the National Literacy Trust, chairs the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, and was previously chairman of the UK’s 11th oldest charity, the St John’s Foundation in Bath.
