Dan Jarvis can keep MP role if elected as Sheffield City Region Mayor

Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley Central, is standing as Labour’s candidate in the election, which takes place on Thursday, May 3.

Labour’s National Executive Committee had previously ruled that no-one could serve in two elected roles - but today announced a U-turn.

The party said the "issue had been resolved" and Mr Jarvis could keep both of his roles.

Mr Jarvis said he was "honoured" to be the Labour candidate.

He added: “If I am elected, I believe that doing the job to the best of my ability – and so ensuring the best possible deal for the people of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield – will mean not sacrificing the platform and influence that comes with sitting in the House of Commons.

“It is because of this belief, combined with the commitment I made last year to the people of Barnsley, that I have always felt that the best way forward was to remain as an MP even if elected Mayor.”

Mr Jarvis said he would donate any salary he receives as mayor to charity.

Other candidates in the running for the post are Naveen Judah (Save Our NHS), Rob Murphy (Green), Hannah Kitching (Liberal Democrat) and Mick Bower (Yorkshire Party).