Mayor Andy Street: Tories have been good for West Midlands

The Conservative West Midlands Mayor recently raised eyebrows among senior ministers by calling for an end to austerity – claiming 'the cuts have gone far enough'.

But today he has launched a staunch defence of 'resilient' Theresa May, who he says has gained the public's affection despite criticism from some of her own MPs.

In an interview with the Express & Star, he said the West Midlands had flourished under Mrs May's Government, which he said had been crucial to the region's 'revival'.

Mr Street is due to open the conference with party chairman Brandon Lewis at Birmingham's ICC tomorrow afternoon, where he is expected to hold the West Midlands up as a shining example of progress for other region's to aspire to.

Praising the Prime Minister, he said: "She is reliant and there are some other traits that the public have really warmed to.

"Her integrity and her sense of hard work and how things should be done correctly... her unflappability.. they make a difference with the public.

"My impression is there is a respect for her, even among people who don't agree with her.

"They think she has personally behaved with great dignity throughout the negotiations, and despite all the criticism that has been thrown at her by some members of the party, you have never heard her be critical back.

"That is a very different view from the political bubble that commentates on her every move.

"I personally feel an admiration for that – and in a funny kind of way, that's what I am trying to say about us getting on and doing the job here."

Mr Street remains bullish about the region's progress since he was elected Mayor in May 2017, and says Ministerial backing has been a key part of the success.

He said: "Twelve months ago, we didn't have the Commonwealth games, we didn't have City of Culture, we didn't have the Metro extensions through the Black Country, we didn't have the housing deal or the Walsall to Wolverhampton land fund, 5G, the skills deal or Housing First... it goes on.

"All of those things have come since December, so you have to say that the Government has backed us. People might not agree with everything, but actually this Government is supporting the West Midlands."

In his conference speech the Mayor said he will address HS2 – which he believes is central to prosperity in the West Midlands – with a view to shutting down naysayers in the Tory party who want it stopped.

"I want the Government to be absolutely resolute in its commitment to HS2," he said. "I think it is, but we have got to really show everybody the difference it is already making to the West Midlands and not see it as a hypothetical piece.

"I cannot believe it is possible that they will pull the plug [on HS2], but there is discontent, and I want to show them that they are wrong. We have got to hold the commitment of all those Conservative MPs who voted for it in the House of Commons."

Following the Labour conference being dominated by Brexit, the Mayor concedes that the issue is likely to be towards the top of the agenda in Birmingham.

He has called on the party to unite behind Mrs May's Chequers deal – insisting it is the best deal for the country – but said there was a thirst among the public to hear about other issues.

"People want to know about skills, housing, transport... I want to make sure that we [the West Midlands] tell our story.

"It is our opportunity to show the Government what is going on. I want them to leave convinced that any money they are investing here is really helping us motor.

"I want them going on that train back to London thinking 'we are going to support them down the line'.

"You could say the West Midlands is almost an example for the country. I want the party to have the view, 'there is a revival going on here, and perhaps we can draw on that nationally'.

Mr Street's appearance at the conference will also feature a video of 18-year-old Dudley councillor Jake Cooper.