‘End the system of property, privilege and private profit’

THE Communist Party candidate for West Midlands mayor has revealed his vision for the region – calling for an end to the system of property, privilege, and private profit.

Coventry-born former trade union official Graham Stevenson has pledged to reject the austerity politics of the last decade.

He wants to take control of local transport and cut fares, nationalise the M6 Toll, tackle air quality, build affordable homes and roll out a minimum income guarantee for all.

Mr Stevenson said: “This is a chance for people in the seven boroughs to start the ball rolling on something completely new.

“Air quality is so bad that something must happen and quick. A way to do that would be to take control of public transport, away from the private firms who put profit before people and increase fares without improving service.

“We don’t want Blairite Labour or Tory austerity any more, it’s done enough damage and still does so.

“The West Midlands need proper jobs that pay well and give workers security. This will regenerate the regional economy.

“The aim is to take power from the elite and let the people’s voices be heard. It’s time things changed to end the system of property, privilege, and private profit.

“We need local public assemblies where the needs and ideas of all communities can be heard so we can build the region we need.”

Mr Stevenson is a retired official for the Unite.