Labour’s Richard Parker has narrowly beaten Andy Street to become the next mayor of the West Midlands, in the most tightly contested metro mayor ballot in England.
It was a huge win for Labour, which had been briefing they expected to lose to Street and his previously formidable “Brand Andy” campaign.
Polls were showing Street and Parker were almost neck and neck for the win, but in the end Labour edged into the lead and took the role for the first time.
More details soon…