Theresa May EXCLUSIVE: The Midlands is a powerhouse too, says PM

Speaking exclusively to the Express & Star the Prime Minister suggested the region can rival George Osborne's much-vaunted Northern Powerhouse project.

And she added that the region's burgeoning economy would be boosted further by the region's new elected mayor next May.

Mrs May said businesses will 'reap the benefits' of Whitehall devolution that will see a Mayor for the West Midlands Combined Authority, including Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell and Wolverhampton.

She praised the region's industrial importance and publicly backed Conservative candidate Andy Street, former boss of John Lewis.

The Prime Minster said the Government was 'committed to making devolution a success', and added: "The mayor will represent all the members of the combined authority including those in the Black Country and will support all the different cities and towns that make the region an important area for growth in the UK.

"We have a fantastic candidate in Andy Street who has a vast amount of experience and knowledge to push this forward attracting new investment and business.

"The deal at present is a good one; my view is let us take it one step a time. Our priority should be to work together to reap the benefits for both the Black Country and wider region."

Mrs May also said workers across the Black Country and Staffordshire would see their rights – including holiday pay, maternity and paternity leave – protected despite Britain leaving the EU.

She backed her promise to create an 'inclusive' country where everyone is given the chance to succeed, and hailed the region as having a major role to play in securing Britain's economic power post-Brexit.

The Black Country and Staffordshire were two of the most pro-Brexit areas in the country in the EU referendum.

Mrs May said: "I'm proud that Britain has led the way on workplace rights and freedoms, and that in many areas our legislation goes far beyond the minimum standards laid down by the EU.

"As we leave the EU it's very important to me that the process enhances rather than diminishes the rights of workers, which is why I'll make sure all the protections that currently exist from the EU apply in UK law as well.

"Just this week I launched an independent review to address how we enhance employee rights in the modern workplace, taking into account the rise of self-employment and flexible working.

"My Government will deliver for workers across the West Midlands."

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Her comments came following Transport Secretary Chris Grayling's pledge of £12m funding for the transport in the region.

The money will be used to speed up journey times and create better links between rail and road networks.

The cash boost for transport authority Midlands Connect is the first of what bosses at the West Midlands Combined Authority hope will be significant Government funding increases for the region.

It comes amid an apparent shift in focus from the Northern powerhouse to devolution in the Midlands.

Chancellor Philip Hammond told the Conservative conference: "Our ambition isn't limited to the Northern Powerhouse.

"We want to create the conditions for success in the North, the South, and everywhere in between. And there is nowhere more ripe to benefit from a similar approach than the Midlands."

Mrs May also said she wants to see a Brexit that 'enhances rather than diminishes' the rights of workers'.

She vowed to secure protections that currently exist through the EU, but stressed that Britain would forge its own path outside the union.