Mayor hopeful wants to create a ‘powerhouse’

JOHN Lewis chief Andy Street has pledged to transform the West Midlands into the UK’s economic powerhouse if he is elected mayor.

The Brummie business leader is expected to be selected next week as Conservative Party candidate to become the region’s first directlyelected mayor.

Speaking for the first time about his mayoral bid, he says he will battle to continue the region’s economic renaissance and ensure that all parts of the region share the prosperity.

If confirmed as Tory candidate, Mr Street faces a battle with Labour frontrunner and former MP Sion Simon and Lib Dem Beverley Nielsen for the job.

The election is to take place on May 4, 2017. The mayor will lead the newlycreated West Midlands Combined Authority and take responsibility for transport, housing, jobs, skills and economic growth across the region. The mayor will drive investment in new rail and tram lines, oversee bus services, develop new housing and encourage businesses to invest and create jobs here.

Mr Street will step down after nine years as managing director of John Lewis if confirmed as Tory candidate on September 29. He said the election of a mayor offers the chance to further transform the West Midlands.

“We must not squander this opportunity,” he said. “The region faces a stark choice – do we embrace this renaissance by growing the economy in a way which benefits everybody and thus become Britain’s Powerhouse, or do we look backwards?

“There is only answer.

“If I’m the candidate, I will work tirelessly to make this happen.” one