WEST Midlands Mayor Andy Street will be standing for re-election at next year’s mayoral elections.
Mr Street, who became the region’s first Mayor in May 2017, was selected by members at a Conservative meeting on Monday (September 17) and will contest the election next May.
Mr Street, who is the chairman of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), said: “I am delighted to be selected to stand for re-election as West Midlands Mayor, and carry on the work we have been doing.
“By encouraging our seven boroughs to work together in a positive and productive way, we have laid the foundations for the success and renewal of the West Midlands.
“We are seeing pride restored in our region and the communities within it, and real economic growth that is providing jobs and opportunities while improving our standing on the national and international stage.
“However, while I am proud of our achievements since I became the first Mayor of the West Midlands, I am aware that after decades of relative decline there remains much to do. We have started the job, but more needs to be done to ensure we continue to move forward.”
According to the party the former managing director at John Lewis has overseen investment in the region, including £350million for housing, £250million to expand the Metro network and £9.6million from the government – the biggest award in the UK – to fund innovative new homes for rough sleepers.
Labour MP Liam Byrne and trade unionist Pete Lowe are in the running to be Labour’s candidate.
Other parties are also yet to confirm their candidates.
