Minister gives backing to Dudley's city bid
A Government minister has thrown his weight behind Dudley's bid to become a city.
Housing and Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said he would love to see the old town gain city status.
Speaking on a visit to Dudley on Thursday, he claimed the move could raise the town's profile in the same way that had happened to Wolverhampton after it was granted city status more than 20 years ago.
He also said becoming a city could help bring investment into Dudley.
Mr Jenrick said: "We've seen with Wolverhampton becoming a city that it helps to raise the profile of the area, and to give it a standing that can certainly help to attract investment.
"I'd love to see Dudley become a city.
"I'm more than happy to throw my support behind the council's bid and we'll see what the Queen has to say about it next year."
