West Midland Labour leaders’ letter

DEAR Andy, As council leaders and WMCA Portfolio Holders representing the majority constituent entities within the Combined Authority, we feel compelled to express our deep disappointment with the tone and substance of your campaign.

You have repeatedly criticised the local councils that make up the Combined Authority, despite their consistent contributions to its funding. This fundamentally goes against the role of a Metro Mayor. Rather than resorting to adversarial rhetoric, it is important for you to support our councils and celebrate our collective achievements under incredibly challenging circumstances.

Furthermore, your campaign has made unfounded claims of success in areas where progress is significantly lacking. You have taken credit for projects without your direct involvement or oversight, which raises doubts about the validity of your other claims.

You have made promises so far costing tens of billions of pounds, with no evidence of funding.

After 8 years, there are no achievements that can be pointed to and as a result your campaign has attacked local councils and councillors. Councils who are being hit by devastating cuts - billions of pounds across our region. There is a crisis in local government. Public services are being cut, costs are increasing and council tax is having to rise across the country in councils of all political colours. 63 councils are expected to declare bankruptcy in the next year due to decisions made by your Conservative government. But it is the hard working people of the West Midlands who are having to pay the price for 14 years of austerity and you should be speaking out to protect our residents.

Yet, you have used this crisis for political gain.

Despite claims of non-partisanship, your campaign materials have only targeted the Labour councils, undermining assertions of political impartiality. Moreover, the retention of £2.2 million in campaign contributions from the Conservative Party, along with partisan rhetoric, contradicts your claims of neutrality. Unfortunately, in light of these issues and our collective disillusionment, we must publicly declare our loss of confidence in your ability to effectively fulfil the duties of Metro Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority.

You have taken credit for projects without your direct involvement or oversight, which raises doubts about the validity of your other claims