Back when David Cameron and George Osborne ruled the roost at Number 10 and Number 11, they took decisive action to re-calibrate the power balance between Westminster and the regions by introducing Combined Authorities led by directly elected Metro Mayors here in the West Midlands, in Greater Manchester and in other major city regions.
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Local elections live - Andy Street re-elected West Midlands Mayor and Simon Foster as Police and Crime Commissioner
Conservative Andy Street remains mayor and Labour s Simon Foster takes over as Police and Crime Commissioner after counting concluded in Birmingham, Solihull, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Coventry
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Andy Street has been voted as the mayor of the West Midlands for a second time.
The Brummie, brought up in Solihull, was the Conservative candidate in the election and polled 48.7 per cent of first choice votes, securing the role on second preferences.
The result was announced in the Utilita Arena, Birmingham, this afternoon, May 8.