Andy Street defends splashing cash in West Midlands Mayor campaign - should the limits be stricter?
Andy Street, the Conservative candidate to become the West Midlands Mayor, has defended his campaign spending.
Mr Street was reported to be spending almost £1 million on his campaign to become the region's mayor.
He had stepped down from his job as managing director of John Lewis ahead of his campaign.
Appearing on BBC radio yesterday, Mr Street was asked about his campaign spending.
He said: "I haven't spent quite a million, but I have spent a substantial amount more than my opponents and actually I think that's OK, and I'll tell you why.
"This is a very important election; a new start in democracy for this region.
"It is 2.5 million people and so it is absolutely appropriate.
"We have worked within the rules, which are that if you raise money you can spend it."
Mr Street must declare his spending to the Electoral Commission by mid-June.
He is competing with Labour's Sion Simon, Lib Dem Beverley Nielsen, Ukip's Pete Durnell and James Burn of the Green Party for the mayoral role.
The public will decide who should take up the role at an election on Thursday.
