West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has described the prospect of Andy Burnham as the new Prime Minister as “exciting” for the region.
Sir Keir Starmer delivered his final address as Prime Minister on Monday (July 20) before formally stepping down ahead of his successor being confirmed later that day.
Speaking to BBC WM, Mr Parker said Mr Burnham’s dedication to devolution would enable him to direct greater resources towards transport, housing, skills and the everyday economy across the West Midlands.
Mr Parker told the Ed James show: “It is an exciting day. A new Prime Minister is going to set out a new vision for the country with a new set of priorities.
“Andy Burnham’s commitment to devolution, allowing me to use more resources to make a difference to people here is very exciting. I will be listening very keenly to what he has to say.”, reports Birmingham Live.
“He invited me to attend a speech in Manchester a couple of weeks ago. I spoke to him and exchanged messages with him over the weekend about his plans for office and in particular some of the issues pivotal to my agenda here.
“There is commitment to devolution, particularly more fiscal devolution, which means we keep and retain here more of the taxes that are raised in this region.
“That allows me and the board that support me here to use those resources and deploy them in a very different way to which Whitehall uses them today.
“That freedom and ability to use those resources in a more focused way allows me to make a bigger difference to the people in this region whether that investing in skills, social homes, supporting our transport system or indeed supporting our businesses.”
Richard Parker has welcomed Andy Burnham’s new role as Prime Minister(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Mr Parker also suggested residents across the region would notice tangible changes once Mr Burnham takes office at Number 10 Downing Street.
He said: “Firstly, we may need a new budget and it will take a few months but Andy Burnham has already made a big commitment to the cost of living, announcing policy changes that are far more tangible to people in their daily lives.
“I expect and want Andy Burnham to say a lot more about what he’s going to do to keep the fares on public transport down including buses, he’s made a commitment just as I have done to invest more on affordable and social housing, reducing very costly rents for people that are often in work but lower paid jobs.
“I expect him to support the hospitality industry and in particularly on how can we reinvigorate and re-imagine our high streets.
“All those things are about impacting on the everyday economy and helping our communities and also supporting those who need most help.”
Mr Parker acknowledged speculation that Birmingham Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood might be appointed chancellor under Mr Burnham’s cabinet, though emphasised his responsibility to maintain strong working relationships regardless of who holds the position.
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