Richard Parker won a shock victory in the West Midlands mayoral election.
The Labor candidate unseated Andy Street, winning by just 1,508 votes, ending the Conservative’s seven-year term.
Here’s what you need to know about the relatively unknown politician.
Originally from BristolMr. Parker’s father was a longshoreman and his mother was a school secretary.
He left school at 16 and went straight to work at a local port authority before earning a degree in economics.
Mr Parker went to work for PwC in 1989, where he gained his accounting qualifications and became a partner, managing the accounting firm’s relationship with the Work Party.
Mr. Parker also worked with council leaders to establish the Western Centers Combined Authority in 2016 before leaving to create his own firm RP Strategy.
The company works with small and medium-sized businesses and social enterprises on initiatives such as green investment, housing and the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Liam Bryne with Richard Parker. Photo: Liam Byrne/X
See more information:
Conservative Andy Street suffers shocking loss
Conservatives suffer worst electoral results in years
He has been a member of the Labor Party for 35 years and was selected as a candidate for West Midlands Mayor over Birmingham councilor Nicky Brennan in April 2023.
In his manifesto, Parker, 60, talks about his “common working class background” and writes: “I have never been a politician before, but I am no longer prepared to sit on the sidelines. politics differently. Things must change.”
His election promises include a plan to create 150,000 jobs and training opportunities in the West Midlands, revitalize high streets and tackle crime and anti-social behavior.
He has lived in the West Midlands since 1985 and has spent his working life there. His wife works as a lawyer and his son works in industry in the Black Country.
A Birmingham Mail profile of the new mayor says Parker is a Bristol City fan who calls trip-hop band Massive Attack “friends”.
He also told the newspaper that he likes cooking, watching live bands, going to the theater and meeting friends for a beer or coffee.
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
