Oral Answers to Questions

James Morris Excerpts

Monday 22nd April 2024 Commons Chamber

[James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con)]

3. What assessment he has made of the impact of Metro Mayors on their local economies.

[Karl MᶜCartney (Lincoln) (Con)]

10. What assessment he has made of the impact of Metro Mayors on their local economies.

[The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (Michael Gove)]

Our Mayors play a powerful role in driving economic growth, improving public services and giving local areas a powerful voice on the national stage. I met all the Mayors as a group before Christmas, as well as Mayor Brabin, as chair of UK Mayors this year, and a number of Mayors on an individual basis. I look forward to meeting and working closely with all the Mayors, collectively and individually, after the May elections, including the three new Mayors who will be elected for the East Midlands, the North-East Combined Authority, and York and North Yorkshire.

[James Morris]

Since he was first elected in 2017, Andy Street has delivered £10 billion of new investment to the west midlands region, more housing—particularly on brownfield land—and much-needed investment in transport infrastructure across the region. Does the Secretary of State agree that, when voters go to the polls next week, they should support Andy Street to continue that track record of delivery for the west midlands?

[Michael Gove]

I agree with my hon. Friend. Andy Street has been outstanding at delivering jobs and more homes in the west midlands than in any other region, according to housing targets. He has done so despite the failure of Birmingham City Council, which was driven into bankruptcy by Labour.