@richardparkerwm.bsky.social
Labour & Co-op Mayor of the West Midlands
A graphic with a person charging their car in the background, and text in the foreground reading: "10,000 more EV Chargers" with a Mayor of the West Midlands logo.
I’m powering up the West Midlands with 10,000 new EV chargers.
With faster, more accessible charging across the region, people will have the confidence to make the switch to electric.
We've always been the heart of the UK motor industry - now we're making it even greener.
A graphic featuring a person plugging in their car with an electric charging station cable in the background and text in the foreground reading: "10,000 more EV chargers" and a Mayor of the West Midlands logo.
I’m powering up the West Midlands with 10,000 new EV chargers.
With faster, more accessible charging across the region, people will have the confidence to make the switch to electric.
We've always been the heart of the UK motor industry - now we're making it even greener.
Last week, I joined Skills Minister Jacqui Smith at Xcelerate with Edgbaston, a fantastic hub helping young people gain real experience in hospitality.
We met Kundai, a Commis Chef, who trained through our Path 2 Apprenticeship programme.
By investing in our youth, we're investing in our future.
A graphic featuring people sat down on a bus in the background, with text in the foreground reading: "5,000,000 free bus journeys" and a Mayor of the West Midlands logo.
Five million FREE bus journeys in my first year as Mayor - and I'm only just getting started.
Supporting NHS staff, young people, unemployed people back into work and apprentices - all while cutting congestion and improving air quality.
Next stop: better buses for everyone!
Richard Parker answering a question at a previous Ask the Mayor Anything in Dudley.
I’ll be at the Mander Centre Community Hub in Wolverhampton for the next Ask the Mayor Anything.
Join me on Tuesday 29th April to have your say.
Sign up today: shorturl.at/GHzoC
The sleeves-rolled up community spirit in Birmingham won’t make headlines.
But it’s the backbone of this region, I’m proud of it and I wish the media would spend a little more time talking about it.
Richard Parker listening to a conversation with another person.
Richard Parker holding a cup of hot drink, standing with another person, while having their photo taken.
Richard Parker listening to a conversation with another person.
I joined Cllr Mary Locke in Birmingham where she’s supporting residents into employment and new opportunities through her local Jobs Fairs.
It’s true champions like Mary who go above and beyond for their communities.
It’s time to bring the curtain down on old and outdated homes.
Citizen housing have started demolition of Spon End, Coventry making way for 261 new affordable homes.
It takes all of us, working together, to make sure everyone in the West Midlands gets a warm, safe home.
Richard Parker standing with BBC Radio West Midlands Senior Radio Presenter, Kathryn Stanczyszyn, in the BBC Radio West Midlands studio.
This morning, I’m on BBC Radio West Midlands for the final Hot Seat with Kathryn Stanczyszyn.
Call in and ask me what I’m doing to make the West Midlands a better place to live, work and visit.
Let’s have a conversation: 08081 00 99 56.
Richard Parker paying respects at Ramgarhia Gurdwara in Birmingham.
Vaisakhi Diyan Vadhaiyan to the Sikh community celebrating in the West Midlands today, and thank you to Graham St, Ramgarhia Gurdwara for making me feel so welcome.
14.04.2025 10:36 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
John Doherty will be one of thousands cheering on Birmingham City today at Wembley.
But he’ll also be supporting his late wife, Ruth, by dyeing his hair blue and white to raise money for @mariecurieuk.bsky.social.
A great cause to support - give the link a click.
Richard Parker behind the wheel of the Stuyf pickup which is one of the low-speed electric vehicles being trialled at the University of Warwick campus.
Move over - there’s a new way to deliver.
I’m putting electric cargo vehicles in our streets for a cleaner and greener way to deliver.
The West Midlands has a long history of transport innovation - and we’ve got a bright future too.
A graphic featuring Richard Parker and an engineering student filing in the background, with text reading: "£5.7m to support unemployed young people into work." As well as a Mayor of the West Midlands logo.
I’ve committed £5.7m to help thousands of young people, who are unemployed, into work.
The Connect to Work programme will provide jobs, support and a bright future across the West Midlands.
I’m working with Government and industry to protect our region - starting with the urgent support for our automotive sector announced earlier this week.
I’ve commissioned a rapid impact report to drive local policy decisions and to make sure our voice is heard in trade talks.
Rachel Reeves, Keir Starmer and Richard Parker pictured at Jaguar Land Rover in Solihull.
Keir Starmer meets workers at Jaguar Land Rover in Solihull.
Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves look at a car in production at Jaguar Land Rover, alongside workers and senior managers.
The Government have stepped up to back our car industry here in the West Midlands in the face of global challenges - supporting British brands like Jaguar Land Rover.
My priority is to protect businesses, investment and long-term growth in our region.
I visited the WMG Academy for Young Engineers, where they are taking a career-focused approach to education.
That means young people aren't just learning, they are preparing themselves for the world of work.
Students like Obi-Omar are excelling and have bright futures ahead of them.
Our region is leading the way in battery technology – a visit to Global Nano Network in Coventry proved that! 🔋
They’re creating high-performance batteries while cutting waste and costs. Backing these projects is key to growing our economy and creating high-quality green jobs.
Two people smiling at each other.
It was great to join @darrenpjones.bsky.social in Birmingham with local business leaders to discuss the important infrastructure projects that we’ll deliver in our region.
Doing this at pace and scale will deliver growth and opportunity across the West Midlands.
Two people engaging in conversation.
Dudley, you asked and I answered.
I’m pushing forward on the Black Country Metro extension, opening up our green spaces, and helping people get back into work.
The next Ask the Mayor will be in Sandwell. I hope to see you there.
People overlooking a construction site.
A view of a construction site in Kings Heath, Birmingham.
Four people standing at a construction site.
I visited the site of Kings Heath Station today, where we are on track to complete construction by the end of the year.
When the station is complete, it will be the first time this area has had passenger services for 80 years.
I can't wait to welcome the trains back.
Three people smiling, while two are shaking hands.
Two people looking forward.
A person sat down speaking.
Two people engaging in a conversation.
This week, I held a meeting with West Midlands MPs to discuss how we can deliver the best outcomes for the people of our region.
Our focus was clear: Collaboration, partnership and a shared ambition to make the West Midlands an even better place to live, work and invest.
A graphic featuring two people smiling at each other in the background with text in the foreground reading: "£15m for SMEs to cut their energy bills." And a Mayor of the West Midlands logo.
A stronger West Midlands starts with stronger businesses.
I know high energy costs are holding firms back. That’s why I’ve secured £15m to help 1300 more businesses cut bills, go greener and invest in their future.
Lower costs mean more jobs, a stronger economy, and a cleaner future for everyone.
A person looking into a camera sat at a restaurant.
My mum worked tirelessly to give me opportunities that have helped me get to where I am today.
To all mothers out there, who all work tirelessly for their children, and to my wife, who is the centre of my family and wonderful mother to our son - I wish you a happy Mother’s Day.
Two people engaging in a conversation.
Two people shaking hands while other people look on during a mass congregation.
Three people engaging in a conversation at a park.
The warmth and hospitality shown by everyone at Small Heath Park was wonderful as I joined Eid celebrations today.
To see a community come together to celebrate makes me proud of our region.
Eid Mubarak.
I’m coming to Dudley for the next Ask the Mayor on 1st April at Black Country Living Museum.
I want to hear what matters to you.
Sign up for free below:
www.wmca.org.uk/news/opportu...
I’m building 20,000 new social homes in the West Midlands over the next decade to provide homes for people who need them most.
With £2 billion to be shared here and across the country, the Government is matching our ambition.
I'm proud to be working with them to grow our automotive and advanced manufacturing industries.
21.03.2025 16:34 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Two people stood next to an electric car in China.
Six months ago, I visited LEVC's Coventry production facility and yesterday I had the chance to see the new L380 electric vehicle in China.
The West Midlands has a proud legacy of innovation and companies like LEVC are leading the change to cleaner greener vehicles.
Richard Parker shaking hands with the Mayor of Chongqing, Hu Henghua, during a mayoral visit to China.
From the Mayor of the West Midlands to the Mayor of Chongqing.
There is already a strong relationship between our two countries, but I have been doing my bit to secure a stronger relationship with our region - to bring investment, jobs and drive innovation.
Richard Parker speaking with EcoFlow Global Marketing Director, Jenny Zhang, ahead of signing an agreement that will make Birmingham the location for EcoFlow's new UK headquarters.
Welcome to the West Midlands, EcoFlow.
I'm delighted to have secured their new UK headquarters in Birmingham. EcoFlow are a fantastic Chinese energy storage company based in Shenzhen.
This marks a huge step forward in our region’s green energy ambitions and economic growth.
