Who’s the brand new West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker? | UK Information

Richard Parker has pulled off a shock victory within the West Midlands mayoral election.

The Labour candidate unseated Andy Road, profitable by simply 1,508 votes, to finish the Tory’s seven-year time period.

This is what that you must know in regards to the comparatively unknown politician.

Initially from Bristol, Mr Parker’s father was a dock employee and his mom a college secretary.

He left college aged 16 and went straight to work at an area port authority earlier than getting an economics diploma.

Mr Parker went to work for PwC in 1989, the place he gained his accountancy {qualifications} and went on to grow to be a associate, managing the accountancy agency’s relationship with the Labour Social gathering.

Mr Parker additionally labored with council leaders to arrange the West Midlands Mixed Authority in 2016 earlier than leaving to arrange his personal firm RP Technique.

The agency works with small and medium-sized firms and social enterprises on initiatives reminiscent of inexperienced funding, housing and the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Video games.

Learn extra:
Conservative Andy Road suffers shock loss
Tories undergo worst election leads to years

He has been a Labour Social gathering member for 35 years and was chosen because the candidate for West Midlands mayor over Birmingham Metropolis councillor Nicky Brennan In April 2023.

In his manifesto, Mr Parker, 60, tells of his “bizarre working-class background” and writes: “I’ve by no means been a politician earlier than, however I am not ready to sit down on the sidelines any extra. I am going to do politics in a different way. Issues should change.”

His election guarantees embrace a plan to create 150,000 jobs and coaching alternatives throughout the West Midlands, revitalise excessive streets and deal with crime and anti-social behaviour.

He has lived within the West Midlands since 1985 and spent his working life there. His spouse works as a lawyer and his son works in manufacturing within the Black Nation.

A Birmingham Mail profile of the brand new mayor says Mr Parker is a Bristol Metropolis fan who calls trip-hop band Huge Assault “mates”.

He additionally informed the paper he likes cooking, watching reside bands, going to the theatre and assembly mates for a pint or a espresso.