Former Black Country MP considering mayoral bid

Lynda Waltho, who was Labour MP for Stourbridge from 2005-10, says she could stand against current Conservative Mayor Andy Street at the next Mayoral election in May 2020.

She is one of a number of candidates set to contest the ballot for Labour's candidacy, with Dudley councillor Pete Lowe and Birmingham Hodge Hill MP Liam Byrne also considering bids.

Ms Waltho, a director at the Confederation for Passenger Transport, said: "I would be the only woman Metro mayor if elected. So why not have a West Midlands woman, who knows what it is like to live and work in the West Midlands?

"Politics is still a part of my life. When I was in Parliament I could make things happen for the people of Stourbridge. I believe I know what people in the West Midlands want.

"Andy Street is doing a lot of talking, but there's not much action. I'm a people person and I'm a worker, and when I look at the Mayor's record I don't see a lot of evidence of him actually making things happen.

"He's developing policies, he's launching initiatives, but it is what comes next that concerns me. I don't think he is working well on a practical level.

"Bring Mayor is not just about words, it has to be about actions. I come with a more hands on approach and I strongly believe I will be able to deliver."

Ms Waltho served one term as an MP before losing her seat to Conservative Margot James in the 2010 General Election.

Former John Lewis boss Mr Street – who has confirmed he plans to defend his post next year – won the region's inaugural Mayoral election in 2017, narrowly defeating Labour candidate Siôn Simon.

Labour has not yet revealed details of its selection process for 2020.