After nine years in Parliament (and a Minister in two departments), it has become clear to me that the answers to Birmingham’s problems do not lie in Westminster and Whitehall. We need to take back control of our own city.
We cannot leave our future to London. They have not looked after our past.
We need strong, dynamic leadership with streamlined decision-making powers. The current 19th century arrangements give us neither. The City Council, as an institution, is not fit for purpose in the 21st century.
I am convinced that elected Mayors should and will be introduced for our major cities in the next Parliament, whoever is in government. When they are I will put myself forward for consideration as the Labour candidate.
As a result, I will not be seeking re-election as MP for Birmingham Erdington this year. I hope that Birmingham people will see this as my badge of commitment to the city.
