I’m delighted to read that it looks as though the main business-support organisations in Birmingham (the Chamber and Birmingham Forward) are to ‘get off the fence’ and support the principle of an elected mayor. On a day when the latest ONS figures show that unemployment in Birmingham now stands at 12.8%, with over 50,000 people out of work, it’s clear that business led economic growth is fundamental to the future success of this city. And if the route to greater control over ‘total place’ budgets, skills, TIF schemes and all the other levers of ‘local control’ is through us electing an elected mayor, then we need a resounding ‘yes’ result at the referendum in May.
Incidentally, a credible candidate from the business community, whether affiliated to a political party or standing as an independent, could prove to be a strong contender for the job in Birmingham. If the Chamber’s new stance on this issue results in someone who has worked in business throwing their hat into the ring, then the race to become Birmingham’s first elected mayor could become even more interesting.
It would certainly make the raqce more interesting, but what real chance does anyone other than a Labour candidate have in Birmingham – certainly in the first mayoral election?
It is far more likely that an independent (or independently minded Tory) could make a real running in the second election in 2017, once the electorate realises party affiliation is less important in a mayor than individual competence.
I remain optimistic of Tory success whenever the election is held, but I agree: 2017 may prove to be less of a ‘challenge’. And you’re right about ‘individual competence’ being key. The right candidate – whether that be an independently minded Conservative or a Conservative minded independent – would always give Labour a good run for their money…