I am backing Liam Byrne for West Midlands Metro Mayor.

I have known Liam for many years. He was an excellent Minister in the Labour Government and I believe he will bring his experience to this role in a very positive way.

He has been campaigning hard in the region for many months and has visited our constituency a number of times. He has attracted backing from right across the region. He has a well worked out plan for the region focussed on tackling homelessness and help for the most vulnerable, youth services and a forward looking green industrial strategy to make the West Midlands the centre of UK Green Manufacturing.