| JOE HOLYOAK ‘Submarine Siôn’ surfaces – but peace almost breaks out
In a dig aimed at Street, Simon said he was proud to be Labour’s candidate and stand for Labour values. Street’s election newsletter, on the other hand, was notable for giving his Conservative Party ticket a very, very low profile over its four pages.
Simon’s analysis that since the 1970s government centralisation had robbed the West Midlands of its fair share of funding was brutally shot down by UKIP’s Durnell, who pointed out that Labour, having led most councils, had the most MPs and been in Government from 1997 to 2010, had failed to do something about it.
But these barbs and divisions were the exception during a good-natured, positive two hours in which the quintet found broad consensus.
We heard “I agree with” so much that there were flashbacks from Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s “I agree with Nick” phrase during the 2010 election.
The scale of the problems facing the region, including the housing shortage, the skills deficit, the persistent deprivation and overcoming years of chronic under investment in public transport were ticked by all.
There are significant differences in style, but whoever wins we will see disused rail lines like the Camp Hill Chords and long-awaited Metro extensions brought back into use. There will also be plenty more houses built.
A few occasions where candidates broke ranks stood out.
A vote for Labour’s Simon is a vote to nationalise the M6 and “take back control”.
While Lib Dem Nielson pushed for the under 25s – our “human goldmine” of talent she called it – while promising free bus passes for young people and a focus on improving skills.
Burn rejected the need to attract global business giants and international investors to the city, arguing that they suck profits abroad. He wants to support more smaller local businesses to grow and spend their profit here on other small local businesses.
Durnell would be the reluctant mayor. He believes it is an expensive and unnecessary extra tier of local government and a way for government to pass the buck for failing services to the region. As a sceptic, he will exercise an iron grip on the budget to stop excesses.
And Street is the leader of business, bringing his skills to politics – he will ensure the West Midlands gets the best possible deal from the Government and Brexit – “one which satisfies the leave camp and allays the fears of remainers”.
With the best part of two months to go, we should expect to see those differences grow and offer voters a decent choice. Roll on the next debate.
AQUESTION on how the candidates stay in touch with the real people brought a few chuckles...
Siôn Simon’s West Bromwich Albion season ticket keeps his feet on the ground – and at times causes him to “lose the will to live”.
Nielsen’s work with students exposes her to forthright opinions.
And UKIP candidate Durnell is one to sup a pint with the great unwashed in true Nigel Farage style.
“You can’t be in UKIP if you don’t go down the pub,” he joked, “It’s on the membership form I think.”
These barbs and divisions were the exception during a good-natured, positive two hours in which the quintet found broad consensus
JEREMY Corbyn is clearly being regarded as a liability for Labour in this mayoral race following the disastrous Copeland by-election.
Asked if he believes in the dear leader, Simon’s sidestepped reply was: “I believe in the people of the West Midlands.”
Cue hundreds of Momentum members throwing ‘vote Siôn’ leaflets in the bin.