On the 2nd May citizens of the West Midlands are invited to the polling stations to vote for the next Mayor of West Midlands. Hopefully you will have received your polling cards by now.

Andy Street has been the West Midlands Mayor since 2017. There are several other candidates who are applying to be Mayor this year. It depends on the electorate whether Andy gets re-elected or a new Mayor takes over the role.

Acocks Green Neighbourhood Forum has arranged a ‘Hustings’ – this is an opportunity for those who vote for the Mayor to meet the candidates, listen to what they have to say about their plans if they are elected, and to answer questions put to them on the evening or in advance. Everyone in the area is invited along to listen and put forward questions they have. Time will be limited, so they may not have time to answer all the questions. The date of the event is Wednesday 17th April. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The meeting takes place in Arthur Moore Hall (old Baptist Church Hall, Alexander Road, round the corner from the usual meeting hall).

It is important to make clear the role of the West Midlands Mayor. They are not employed by Birmingham City Council and have no direct control over the councils plans and policies. The Mayor’s role is explained here: https://www.wmca.org.uk/mayor-of-the-west-midlands-more-information-about-the-role/west-midlands-elections-2024-our-region-our-voice/

Come along and find out more about the West Midlands Mayor’s role. Hopefully it will help you choose which candidate you would like to vote for in the May election.