A doctor from Hinchingbrooke Hospital has announced his intention to stand as a candidate for the newly created position of mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Elections for the role will take place in May next year after all seven councils in the region voted through a devolution deal which will see a new combined authority, headed up by a mayor.

Dr Nik Johnson, a paediatrician and political campaigner, who stood as a Labour candidate for the Huntingdon seat at the 2015 general election, announced on Facebook last night that he has thrown his name into the ring and is hoping to represent the Labour party in the contest.

In a statement, he said: “I am sure there will be plenty more words and discussions in the future and I will do my very best to answer and feedback on any questions.

I am very excited by the prospect and grateful for all the support and encouragement given to me.”

Dr Johnson joins Heidi Allen, MP for South Cambridgeshire who is the Conservative candidate, and businessman Peter Dawe.

Dr Johnson added: “In practice this means for every single registered voter in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough I am hoping my name will be appearing on that all important voting slip come May when we will all get the chance to elect our first mayor for the area.”

The new combined authority will have responsibility for aspects of transport, key roads, strategic planning and control of a £100million housing and infrastructure fund.

The elected mayor will also be given control of an additional £20million funding allocation for 30 years to boost growth.

The treasury could also give the county a further £70m million over five years to meet housing needs.

Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, Councillor Steve Count, has said he believes that the deal is a “once in a lifetime chance” to improve the lives of residents.