Richard Parker

The West Midlands is full of untapped talent and potential. My Growth Plan is about unlocking opportunity - for everyone, in every place. It’s not about politics or paperwork - it’s about the people in our region.

I’ve campaigned for this for 15 years - thank you to @RichParkerLab for getting it done #fightingtofixit

Today I’ve announced the £11bn Birmingham East Mayoral Development Corporation - the boldest and most ambitious in the country.

Congratulations to Wolverhampton’s own Aaron Rai. Absolutely incredible.

Building on our rich heritage to develop the future of the region’s rail through new stations and investment.

Great day in London hosting a Football Foundation roundtable in Number 10. Found time to grab a coffee and catch up with emails, while there was a break in the weather.

While politics shifts around us, my focus stays the same: getting things done for the West Midlands. I spoke today at UK Rail 2026 about why investment in rail matters to the entire region. We’re opening new stations, improving services and building a transport network people can rely on.

For years, places like Washwood Heath were left behind. Now we’re bringing investment, skilled jobs and opportunity back into the heart of the West Midlands. More than 1,500 jobs. A historic industrial site brought back into use. And long-term growth for local communities. That’s the difference investment in our region can make.

A fantastic Vaisakhi celebration in Smethwick. The West Midlands is stronger because of the communities and cultures that make this region what it is. Proud to be Mayor for every part of our region.

A fantastic Vaisakhi celebration in Smethwick today. The West Midlands is stronger because of the communities and cultures that make this region what it is. Proud to be Mayor for every part of our region.

I can’t pretend that the results across the West Midlands don’t hurt. Good councillors - many of them friends - have lost their seats. This region has taken an economic battering for generations. Jobs that were here haven’t come back. High streets that were thriving aren’t what they were. Our public services have been hollowed out. People feel that every day, and they’re rightly frustrated. The ballot box is how people send a message. And I don’t think that message has changed since I was elected - ‘make life better, and do it quickly’. That’s a fair ask. And that message being sent louder means we have to go faster and make sure more people feel the difference we’re making. So there is soul searching to do. It’s a time to reflect, respond and refocus. I will be doing that too. But my promise to the West Midlands stays the same. I won’t stop fighting for the people of this region. I want people to have hope about the future and hope for the place where they live. And that will continue to be my focus everyday.

⏰ Time is running out ⏰ Polls close at 10pm. Vote Labour 🌹 for unity over division.

Polls are open until 10pm - and every vote is going to matter. Vote for Labour councillors that care about your local services, and want to keep the West Midlands united instead of divided.

Today, fellow canvassers and I were threatened, intimidated and abused for simply doing what should be normal in any democracy - speaking to voters and hearing their views. Thank you to the police for their swift response and reassurance. It won’t stop me. But I do worry it will stop others from getting involved in public life. Divisive rhetoric and intimidation has its consequences. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

World class Balti with Birmingham’s one and only @RichParkerLab at #SylhetSpice.

New train stations, more homes, millions for high streets, and opportunities for young people. The local elections this Thursday reinforce what Labour councillors, working with a Labour government, have already been delivering. Don’t risk this progress. Let’s keep going forwards!

Lovely to join @AlistairCarns over the weekend in Birmingham as part of my effort to try all the best baltis across the city. Where next?

If someone tells you they’re becoming more racist and your response is “yeah” - you’re enabling. That’s beneath the standards people expect from an MP - someone elected to represent people from all backgrounds. I’m furious. Just nodding along as he sees his divisive rhetoric take hold.

Sandwell Council is one of the best in the country for filling potholes 💪 Reform-led councils bring chaos and can't look after our roads. The choice is clear in Sandwell this Thursday: it's Labour or Reform. No other party can win here, so vote Labour to stop Reform. 🗳️

A fantastic parade for @Coventry_City this weekend. Well done. Coventry is a city on the up.

Proud to see those running in today’s #greatbirminghamrun. 16,000 runners are starting at Centenary Square and will finish at Aston University for a festival event. It's always amazing to see how powerful sport can be - individually, and for the community. Good luck to all!