West Midlands Mayor clarifies office strategy in Coventry

The West Midlands Mayor has stated his intention to avoid using public funds for establishing a new office to support his operations in Coventry. During his election campaign, Labour’s metro mayor Richard Parker outlined in his manifesto a desire for “bases outside of Birmingham, in Coventry and the Black Country.” However, he refuted claims of abandoning his pledge, explaining that he has been utilizing the Coventry city council leader’s office as his operational base within the city. Mr. Parker further stated his reluctance to squander taxpayer money, asserting that the council office provided “best value for money.” “To be clear, I don’t want to use public money to set up a new office that I’ll be using once a week or once a fortnight,” Parker informed BBC CWR. He added, “What I’m focused on doing is getting out and about the region as much as possible to be visible and accessible.” Parker mentioned his recent attendance at several meetings in Coventry, specifically citing engagements with businesses at Fargo Village and Members of Parliament from the Business and Trade Committee. Responding to an inquiry about a potential U-turn on a manifesto commitment, he stated: ” No, I said I wanted an office in Coventry and that’s what I’m doing.” He continued, “But I’d rather work in the way we’re doing now, flexibly and with more agility than incurring tens of thousands of taxpayers’ money, working in an office where I’m not visible and I’m not accessible.” The mayor presides over the West Midlands Combined Authority, which encompasses the local government bodies serving Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton. His responsibilities primarily involve region-wide economic functions, such as transport, adult skills, infrastructure, housing, and business support. Parker secured the mayoral position in May, overcoming the Conservative incumbent, Andy Street, by a margin of 1,508 votes. Following his election victory, BBC CWR interviewed Parker, inquiring about his rationale for establishing an office in Coventry. He stated: “My plan is to be a mayor who’s visible, accessible and accountable across the whole region.” He continued: “So I made an early commitment of wanting a base in Coventry and the Black Country.” He added: “I’ll be discussing the options with the team and with the council leader George Duggins in Coventry.” He also mentioned: “I do want to spend as much time out and about and as little time in the office.” He clarified that it was “really about having a base.” Parker indicated his intention to utilize existing space offered by Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall, and Wolverhampton councils, instead of establishing separate offices in those locations.