politics important lesson that in politics victories everything and narrow defeat is rapidly forgotten. and however the size of the margin of loss for the conservatives, this is politically therefore a very considerable blow because at the end of the day, as it were, the significance of this contest, the political significance of this contest has effectively been determined by the conservative party and its determination to try to focus our attention on the resulting —— result in tees valley are the result in the west midlands in the belief that they would be able to win those two and therefore we would not spend as much time looking at the rather poor results that occurred pretty much everywhere, as we have seen for the conservatives in london as well. politically, the strategy has only proven to be half baked, they managed to win the tees valley but it now seems they have

lost the west midlands. another reaction you could have is to say frankly, with the labour party 20 points ahead in the opinion polls and given that the west midlands is pretty marginal territory, of course the labour party should be winning pretty much any political contest in that region because if they can win the contest in that region, we might ask questions —— can't win. it is a testament to andy street's personal popularity that albeit he may have lost narrowly, the fact that he has run labour so close i think he can take quite some considerable credit for because as we know, the parallel police and commissioner election the conservatives were quite a long way behind. i conservatives were quite a long way behind. ., ., ., . ~ conservatives were quite a long way behind. ., ., ., ., behind. i want to go back to the messaue behind. i want to go back to the message from _ behind. i want to go back to the message from ellie _ behind. i want to go back to the message from ellie reeves, - behind. i want to go back to the i message from ellie reeves, the deputy campaign coordinator in labour, she talked about the general election, she said it is time for a

general election and a labour government to get our country's future back, that is clearly something they want to be pushing, should these results be officially declared. but is that a fair assessment to make? how different are the ways that people vote when it comes to local elections and general elections? how worried should rishi sunak essentially be if andy street doesn't lose theirs? let's pick up the last point and then come back to the first part. basically, as you will know from work yesterday, the bbc reckoned that if everybody had a local election on thursday and people who didn't have elections voted, labour would have been nine points ahead of the conservatives. now, that may not sound much but the crucial thing is it is the same figure that we came up it is the same figure that we came up with last year. we know that the

labour party doesn't do as well in local elections as it does in opinion polls, not least because the labour democrats —— the liberal democrats always do better, the greens are doing well, and we have also seen a lot of independent candidates butting in highly credible performances so we cannot simplyjust read across from local elections to national elections but the crucial thing is the ups and downs of body support from one year to the next in local elections usually parallels the ups and downs in party support in the opinion polls. and that is exactly what we are seeing. we have not seen any movement in the opinion polls in the last 12 months, labour have retained their 20 point lead, and now we see from the local ballot boxes that labour have also retained their lead in the local elections, so therefore my reading would be that basically these results confirm the message in local elections that are crucially above all the conservatives have not made any discernible progress in the last 12 months in closing the gap on

labour, and as a result, appear to be at risk at the moment of suffering a serious defeat. so, to that extent, at least i think that is the crucial message that has come out of that. i have to admit i have forgotten the first part of your question. forgotten the first part of your cuestion. ., ., ., , forgotten the first part of your cuestion. ., ., , question. no, that was exactly it, it was at the _ question. no, that was exactly it, it was at the difference _ question. no, that was exactly it, it was at the difference between l question. no, that was exactly it, i it was at the difference between the local elections and the general elections. still not letting you go, we need to steal, so stay with us, for now we are going to birmingham where rajini is waiting for us. yes. where ra'ini is waiting for us. yes, so we where rajini is waiting for us. yes, so we are expecting _ where rajini is waiting for us. yes, so we are expecting the _ where rajini is waiting for us. ye: so we are expecting the official result in the west midlands mayoral election as well to be announced anytime soon. and on the floor behind, you can see a group of people gathering, they are labour supporters, including the labour candidate for mayor, richard parker, who is likely to be the mayor, announced shortly. i am joined now

by the midlands political editor rob meier. your name is very appropriate for the story today! we have been speaking about this all day, it was too close to call, this really will be a stunning victory for labour, won't it? , , , , won't it? they will be very, very ha - won't it? they will be very, very happy with _ won't it? they will be very, very happy with a _ won't it? they will be very, very happy with a days _ won't it? they will be very, very happy with a days work - won't it? they will be very, very happy with a days work they - won't it? they will be very, very l happy with a days work they have won't it? they will be very, very - happy with a days work they have got done here _ happy with a days work they have got done here. it has ended up being very close. — done here. it has ended up being very close, we understand probably less than— very close, we understand probably less than 2000 votes in eight out of the 600,000 that were cast so a very ti-ht the 600,000 that were cast so a very tight margin, but you can see the celebrations over there, richard parker_ celebrations over there, richard parker i— celebrations over there, richard parker i have just seen, i asked him to give _ parker i have just seen, i asked him to give me — parker i have just seen, i asked him to give me a — parker i have just seen, i asked him to give me a photo with a smile any said not_ to give me a photo with a smile any said not yet— to give me a photo with a smile any said not yet so he doesn't quite believe — said not yet so he doesn't quite believe it— said not yet so he doesn't quite believe it yet but there is no doubt that labour have managed to pull this off _ that labour have managed to pull this off. we that labour have managed to pull this off. ~ . , that labour have managed to pull this off. ~ ., , ., ., this off. we are still waiting for one result. _ this off. we are still waiting for one result, so _ this off. we are still waiting for one result, so it— this off. we are still waiting for one result, so it is— this off. we are still waiting for one result, so it is seven - this off. we are still waiting for one result, so it is seven locall one result, so it is seven local authorities that are counting on different areas, authorities that are counting on differentareas, birmingham being one of them, we had that result in earlier, labour came out in front there, that wasn't really a

surprise. 0h, all candidates have now... . , surprise. 0h, all candidates have now... .,~ surprise. 0h, all candidates have now... ., now... please make your way to the media suite — now... please make your way to the media suite to _ now... please make your way to the media suite to you _ now... please make your way to the media suite to you the _ now... please make your way to the media suite to you the results. - now... please make your way to the media suite to you the results. they are now making _ media suite to you the results. they are now making their _ media suite to you the results. are now making their way to the media suite to view the results so that announcement means we are not too far off the official announcement, they will be told formally. we are waiting for results sandwell. we formally. we are waiting for results sandwell. ~ ., ., ., sandwell. we are waiting for the final results, _ sandwell. we are waiting for the final results, sandwell _ sandwell. we are waiting for the final results, sandwell you - sandwell. we are waiting for the l final results, sandwell you expect to he _ final results, sandwell you expect to be strong labour area. with the other_ to be strong labour area. with the other one — to be strong labour area. with the other one is — to be strong labour area. with the other one is added up, the other six, other one is added up, the other six. labour— other one is added up, the other six, labour needed to make about 9000, _ six, labour needed to make about 9000, i_ six, labour needed to make about 9000, i think it was, something like that _ 9000, i think it was, something like that so. _ 9000, i think it was, something like that so. no — 9000, i think it was, something like that. so, no doubt that labour have -ot that. so, no doubt that labour have got it— that. so, no doubt that labour have got it done, — that. so, no doubt that labour have got it done, we are waiting for sandwell, _ got it done, we are waiting for sandwell, strong area for them. i have _ sandwell, strong area for them. i have been— sandwell, strong area for them. i have been hearing from some conservatives who are obviously very disappointed, one consulate source in the _ disappointed, one consulate source in the midlands with a good knowledge of the campaign said it was never— knowledge of the campaign said it was never going to end well, the campaign — was never going to end well, the campaign was a mess, literature arrived _ campaign was a mess, literature arrived late, activists only turned up arrived late, activists only turned up the _ arrived late, activists only turned up the photos, there was too much

arrogance — up the photos, there was too much arrogance assuming we would win because _ arrogance assuming we would win because it — arrogance assuming we would win because it is andy, so already the recriminations starting to happen around _ recriminations starting to happen around the campaign that andy street did. around the campaign that andy street did 0t— around the campaign that andy street did. of course, he really distanced did. of course, he really distanced himself— did. of course, he really distanced himself from the conservative party, there _ himself from the conservative party, there was— himself from the conservative party, there was the hope that brand and it would _ there was the hope that brand and it would pay— there was the hope that brand and it would pay off, it hasn't happened this time — would pay off, it hasn't happened this time. ~ would pay off, it hasn't happened this time. ,, ., , this time. indeed, i think many --eole this time. indeed, i think many peeple were — this time. indeed, i think many people were speculative - this time. indeed, i think many people were speculative letting whether his personal appeal and the fact that he was an incumbent twice already he mightjust do it. one of the other remarkable things, actually, that we should note before we end up talking about the main two is the independent candidate who managed to get more than 40,000 votes here in birmingham and he was campaigning solely on the platform of gaza. again, i mean he didn't win, but to get 40,000 odd votes as a relative unknown isn't bad, is it? a pretty stunning performance. not many— a pretty stunning performance. not many people had heard of him a month a-o. many people had heard of him a month ago he _ many people had heard of him a month ago he had _ many people had heard of him a month ago. he had a big following online where _ ago. he had a big following online where he — ago. he had a big following online where he styled himself as a tiktok iawyer~ _ where he styled himself as a tiktok iawyer~ but — where he styled himself as a tiktok lawyer. but in political circles no

one had — lawyer. but in political circles no one had heard of him, he got up and came— one had heard of him, he got up and came "— one had heard of him, he got up and came —— campaign going in a very unusual— came —— campaign going in a very unusual way, _ came —— campaign going in a very unusual way, very different way to what _ unusual way, very different way to what we _ unusual way, very different way to what we are seeing, he to the hustings— what we are seeing, he to the hustings event and that kind of thing _ hustings event and that kind of thing that we are used to seeing but an incredible performance to get 42.000 — an incredible performance to get 42,000 votes in birmingham, and he has officially picked up the votes elsewhere. big lesson there for lahour— elsewhere. big lesson there for labour to— elsewhere. big lesson there for labour to learn, they've got to try and tackle — labour to learn, they've got to try and tackle this issue, you know, there _ and tackle this issue, you know, there is— and tackle this issue, you know, there is a — and tackle this issue, you know, there is a big diverse population here _ there is a big diverse population here in— there is a big diverse population here in birmingham in particular but i’ilht here in birmingham in particular but right across — here in birmingham in particular but right across the west midlands, they are not— right across the west midlands, they are not satisfied with the labour party— are not satisfied with the labour party stance on gaza, and i think it is something they will continue to be worried — is something they will continue to be worried about in the labour party. — be worried about in the labour party. as — be worried about in the labour party, as we head towards a general election _ party, as we head towards a general election he— party, as we head towards a general election. he said he would stand in the ladywood constituency, in birmingham, that is a majority of 28,000 — birmingham, that is a majority of 28,000. but you do wonder, stranger things— 28,000. but you do wonder, stranger things are _ 28,000. but you do wonder, stranger things are happening at the moment in politics _ things are happening at the moment in politics. find things are happening at the moment in olitics. �* things are happening at the moment in olitics. . ., . ~ in politics. and he had the backing of geora e in politics. and he had the backing

of george galloway. _ in politics. and he had the backing of george galloway. yes, - in politics. and he had the backing of george galloway. yes, george | of george galloway. yes, george galloway endorsed _ of george galloway. yes, george galloway endorsed him _ of george galloway. yes, george galloway endorsed him and - of george galloway. yes, george galloway endorsed him and i - of george galloway. yes, george | galloway endorsed him and i think of george galloway. yes, george - galloway endorsed him and i think he was talked _ galloway endorsed him and i think he was talked about potentiallyjoining george _ was talked about potentiallyjoining george gallup is my party, so we will look— george gallup is my party, so we will look for news on that but he managed — will look for news on that but he managed to get a very short space of time of— managed to get a very short space of time of the _ managed to get a very short space of time of the lake —— a big chunk of support— time of the lake —— a big chunk of support and — time of the lake —— a big chunk of support and that nearly cost labour here today — support and that nearly cost labour here today because the margin of victory _ here today because the margin of victory here is really quite small. it victory here is really quite small. it has _ victory here is really quite small. it has all— victory here is really quite small. it has all gone a bit quiet, the stage is set, we should be getting it anytime now when the returning of his eye comes back out and announces the results. the headlines tomorrow of course will be very positive for labour, i suspect we might see keir starmer paying a visit to the area, the region to have a photo opportunity with richard parker. let's talk about next steps let's talk about labour, this will give their momentum, there are seats in their momentum, there are seats in the region that they have lost over the region that they have lost over the year that they want to get back.

absolutely, and they will be looking further _ absolutely, and they will be looking further afield. they had a stunning victory— further afield. they had a stunning victory in _ further afield. they had a stunning victory in nuneaton. yesterday also in range _ victory in nuneaton. yesterday also in range down the road, another great _ in range down the road, another great result for them, they made a bil great result for them, they made a big fight— great result for them, they made a big fight back in dudley yesterday yesterday after years in the wilderness since the brexit vote in 2016 sellers are positive signs. i think— 2016 sellers are positive signs. i think this — 2016 sellers are positive signs. i think this election is more a totemic— think this election is more a totemic kind of example, they will be delighted to finally get one over on andy— be delighted to finally get one over on andy street who seemed a bit untouchable over the last seven or eight _ untouchable over the last seven or eight years, they will absolutely be delighted that the headlines will be about— delighted that the headlines will be about him losing tomorrow and they will feel— about him losing tomorrow and they will feel they have the momentum in the west— will feel they have the momentum in the west midlands that they do have to watch— the west midlands that they do have to watch that gaza issue. | the west midlands that they do have to watch that gaza issue. i was talkin: to watch that gaza issue. i was talking to _ to watch that gaza issue. i was talking to the _ to watch that gaza issue. i was talking to the conservative - to watch that gaza issue. i was talking to the conservative mp| talking to the conservative mp andrew mitchell who represents

sutton coldfield and i put to him what would happen, what would the reaction would be if your party lost, and he said we are spinning it in the way that he would saying, it is a surprise that the conservatives have lost already because they should be natural labour territory. and of course we will get that spin from _ and of course we will get that spin from the _ and of course we will get that spin from the conservatives. remember back from the conservatives. remember hack in_ from the conservatives. remember back in 2017 it was a big surprise that lahour— back in 2017 it was a big surprise that labour didn't win this contest and of— that labour didn't win this contest and of course andy street went on to win it _ and of course andy street went on to win it again— and of course andy street went on to win it again in 2021.50 and of course andy street went on to win it again in 2021. so they will spin _ win it again in 2021. so they will spin it— win it again in 2021. so they will spin it like — win it again in 2021. so they will spin it like this. andy street is about— spin it like this. andy street is about to — spin it like this. andy street is about to come up here and do some difficult _ about to come up here and do some difficult interviews. these are human — difficult interviews. these are human beings after all and it is never— human beings after all and it is never nice _ human beings after all and it is never nice to lose in politics. i suspect— never nice to lose in politics. i suspect what he will say is i nearly did it _ suspect what he will say is i nearly did it despite what is happening nationally, he was swinging against the tide _ nationally, he was swinging against the tide and he very nearly got there. — the tide and he very nearly got there, albeit with a bit of help from — there, albeit with a bit of help from that— there, albeit with a bit of help from that independent candidate who took away _ from that independent candidate who

took away some votes potentially from _ took away some votes potentially from labour, we need to do the numbers— from labour, we need to do the numbers but it looks like that what has happened. you numbers but it looks like that what has happened-— has happened. you cover the mayorship — has happened. you cover the mayorship of _ has happened. you cover the mayorship of andy _ has happened. you cover the mayorship of andy street, i has happened. you cover the i mayorship of andy street, what has happened. you cover the - mayorship of andy street, what would you say is his biggest legacy? he will point to the transport projects here, _ will point to the transport projects here, there are lots of new tramlines. 0ne here, there are lots of new tramlines. one of the things he found _ tramlines. one of the things he found himself criticised for was they— found himself criticised for was they didn't get bills quick enough and it— they didn't get bills quick enough and it became a bit of a joke in some — and it became a bit of a joke in some circles, actually that you would — some circles, actually that you would always see andy street in hi viz somewhere in front of a project but that _ viz somewhere in front of a project but that is— viz somewhere in front of a project but that is what he was really passionate about, i think people also remember him for that very public— also remember him for that very public spat with the prime minister over the _ public spat with the prime minister over the cancellation of the h52 leg from birmingham up to manchester. he chose _ from birmingham up to manchester. he chose that— from birmingham up to manchester. he chose that public argument and he lost it _ chose that public argument and he lost it and — chose that public argument and he lost it and maybe some of that has fed in_ lost it and maybe some of that has fed in today because i think a lot of people — fed in today because i think a lot of people thought if he had resigned

at that— of people thought if he had resigned at that point, become an independent, perhaps we would be telling _ independent, perhaps we would be telling a _ independent, perhaps we would be telling a different story today, but ithink— telling a different story today, but i think those are the sort of things that people remember andy street four. �* . that people remember andy street four. . ., ., . ., ., ,, four. and what about richard parker, likel now four. and what about richard parker, likely now b. — four. and what about richard parker, likely now b, tell _ four. and what about richard parker, likely now b, tell about _ four. and what about richard parker, likely now b, tell about him? - four. and what about richard parker, likely now b, tell about him? he's i four. and what about richard parker, likely now b, tell about him? he's a l likely now b, tell about him? he's a former public _ likely now b, tell about him? he's a former public services _ likely now b, tell about him? he's a former public services accountant, l former public services accountant, he has _ former public services accountant, he has a _ former public services accountant, he has a lot— former public services accountant, he has a lot of work in the midlands, he has provided advice when _ midlands, he has provided advice when i _ midlands, he has provided advice when i set — midlands, he has provided advice when i set up the midlands combined authority. _ when i set up the midlands combined authority,. he is new to politics, he has _ authority,. he is new to politics, he has not — authority,. he is new to politics, he has not done this before, you could _ he has not done this before, you could see — he has not done this before, you could see that today because there were times where things were very tense _ were times where things were very tense and — were times where things were very tense and he was sort of roaming the back corridors here at the icc in birmingham looking a bit pale and looking _ birmingham looking a bit pale and looking a — birmingham looking a bit pale and looking a bit worried, and still not quite _ looking a bit worried, and still not quite ready— looking a bit worried, and still not quite ready to smile, i don't think he doesn't — quite ready to smile, i don't think he doesn't quite believe it, he is not a _ he doesn't quite believe it, he is not a politician, he doesn't have a history— not a politician, he doesn't have a history of— not a politician, he doesn't have a history of being a politician, he is going _ history of being a politician, he is going to — history of being a politician, he is going to to— history of being a politician, he is going to to learn the ropes pretty quickly _ going to to learn the ropes pretty quickly i— going to to learn the ropes pretty quickly. i think labour feel he will

be safe _ quickly. i think labour feel he will be safe pair of hands behind—the—scenes but part of his 'ob behind—the—scenes but part of his job is— behind—the—scenes but part of his job is being an ambassador for the west— job is being an ambassador for the west midlands, and i think people are keen _ west midlands, and i think people are keen to see how he can grow into that role _ are keen to see how he can grow into that role. rob are keen to see how he can grow into that role. .,, a, ., are keen to see how he can grow into that role. ., , ., ., ,, are keen to see how he can grow into that role. .,, ., ., ,, ,., are keen to see how he can grow into that role. .,, ., ., ,, y., , that role. rob ma'or, thank you very much, we that role. rob ma'or, thank you very much. we wru— that role. rob ma'or, thank you very much, we will be i that role. rob major, thank you very much, we will be back— that role. rob major, thank you very much, we will be back with - that role. rob major, thank you very much, we will be back with you i that role. rob major, thank you very | much, we will be back with you soon. we don't see much activity yet but of course, if you are justjoining us on bbc news, we are in birmingham and awaiting the results of the mayoral election. labour have called it for their candidate richard parker, they —— it has been a close race, andy street was hoping for a third term, in the na looks like it has come down to a couple of thousand votes which just shows you how close it was. all the local authorities have reported their results for the last one to come in with sandwell, and about five minutes ago, we heard from the returning officer here, he asked for the two, offer all of the candidates, i should say, to go and meet him in a side room, he will clearly be conveying the results to them, then he will come out on the

stage and we will get that official announcement, so that is what we are expecting in the next ten minutes or so. i am joined expecting in the next ten minutes or so. iamjoined by expecting in the next ten minutes or so. i am joined by my colleague nick eardley who is in our newsroom in london, you have been number crunching, haven't you?- london, you have been number crunching, haven't you? yes, ra'ini, the picture — crunching, haven't you? yes, ra'ini, the picture is — crunching, haven't you? yes, ra'ini, the picture is bad i crunching, haven't you? yes, ra'ini, the picture is bad for i crunching, haven't you? yes, ra'ini, the picture is bad for the i the picture is bad for the conservatives, we know it is bad for the conservatives, you can see it here. this is what you are talking about, the mayoral race in the west midlands but look at that for the tories, lost almost half of the seats that they are defending. i have been speaking to a few conservative sources in the last few minutes, you can see me holding my phone here, i am trying to get in touch with people, and i think in some sense there is a bit of sense of resignation, among the rebels, the ones who have been critical of rishi sunak, they're not changing their minds as a result of this west midlands result. and that some of those who said yesterday when the results were coming in theyjust went to the pub, almost resigned to the fact that they were losing seats, they say they are still in

the pub, it is a bank holiday in england after all, but i am also picking up, speaking to some conservative mps, a bit of a row brewing about who to blame for this. we know some mps are really angry at rishi sunak and have been —— for some time, but there is also a sensor backlash against them, i am getting messages saying that some people it should have the whip withdrawn for criticising the prime minister so it does feel a bit like the conservatives are not in a great place, they are angry with each other, does this mean there will be a move against the prime minister? my a move against the prime minister? my hunch is still no, i don't think there is enough of a groundswell for there is enough of a groundswell for the west midlands result to tip that but let's see what happens at the next few days, and it andy street says anything. next few days, and it andy street says anything-— next few days, and it andy street says anything. nick, i am going to “um- in says anything. nick, i am going to jump in here. _ says anything. nick, i am going to jump in here. we _ says anything. nick, i am going to jump in here, we are _ says anything. nick, i am going to jump in here, we are getting i says anything. nick, i am going to | jump in here, we are getting more reaction from labour sources again, that result has not been officially declared but labour sources are already claiming victory, that includes the shadow chancellor rachael reeves, she has posted a

picture of herself alongside richard parker, she congratulating him for running an incredible campaign and securing an amazing victory, the west midlands has voted for change. now, if possible, i would like to go back to nick, if you are still with us. this sort of reaction from labour, it is a big moment for them, if they do win this. in the grand scheme of things, has this been a losing narrative for the conservatives?- losing narrative for the conservatives? , ' :: :: , , , conservatives? yes, 100%. this is the biggest _ conservatives? yes, 10096. this is the biggest result _ conservatives? yes, 10096. this is the biggest result of— conservatives? yes, 10096. this is the biggest result of these - the biggest result of these elections. even if it is by the thinnest of margins, about 1000 votes or thereabouts, it is almost the way changes the story. the story had been it is really bad for the conservatives that they have held —— held onto big mayoral elections but thatis held onto big mayoral elections but that is not the story any more, they have lost one of the big ones, while their big landmark mayors, andy street, is no longer going to be in

a job. they kept tees valley, they had a colossal majority there and that was massively reduced, so losing the west midlands is a really big moment for the conservatives, a good moment for labour as well, they will point to that, i am sure you will point to that, i am sure you will hear everyone in the labour party you can get in front of a camera in the next few days doing so and saying this shows we are on track for power. but if i bring you back to one of the scoreboards we up over the last couple of days, the scores on the doors and the state of the parties, you can see that this tells the full story across england, labour up 185, they are confident in the right areas to win a general election, the tories down, losing just under half of all the seats they were defending. but that west midlands result, when we get it in the next few minutes, is the sort of the next few minutes, is the sort of the icing on the cake for labour, but are really better moment for —— bitter moment for rishi sunak. he was hoping he would get through this

weekend with these results being bad but holding on to tees valley is an west midlands mayors, not the case, all they have kept is the tees valley mary london, they have gone backwards in london and backwards in west midlands so this is a damaging set of results for the conservative party. i set of results for the conservative pa . ., , ., ., ., set of results for the conservative pa . ., ., set of results for the conservative pa . ., , set of results for the conservative pa . ., party. i also want to bring up our live tate party. i also want to bring up our live page on _ party. i also want to bring up our live page on our _ party. i also want to bring up our live page on our bbc _ party. i also want to bring up our live page on our bbc news i party. i also want to bring up our. live page on our bbc news website and app because on it you will see our latest post features a photo of commentator: richard parker, he has been snapped having a final read—through of his speech. let's go back to read jeannie because i believe we are very close to hearing a result —— read jeannie. do you have an update for us? i a result -- read jeannie. do you have an update for us?- have an update for us? i do, actually. _ have an update for us? i do, actually. we _ have an update for us? i do, actually, we have _ have an update for us? i do, actually, we have been i have an update for us? i do, i actually, we have been looking online — actually, we have been looking online in— actually, we have been looking online in the election result for the sandwell authority has come in, that is— the sandwell authority has come in, that is the _ the sandwell authority has come in, that is the one we were waiting for and i_ that is the one we were waiting for and i have — that is the one we were waiting for and i have done some basic number crunching _

and i have done some basic number crunching and it looks like richard parker— crunching and it looks like richard parker has— crunching and it looks like richard parker has one by 1008 votes. that -ets parker has one by 1008 votes. that gets you _ parker has one by 1008 votes. that gets you and i bare of how incredible close this result has been — incredible close this result has been the _ incredible close this result has been. the result from sandwell for richard _ been. the result from sandwell for richard parker was 31,561, been. the result from sandwell for richard parkerwas 31,561, i been. the result from sandwell for richard parker was 31,561, i am told, _ richard parker was 31,561, i am told. and — richard parker was 31,561, i am told, and for andy street, it was 18.598. — told, and for andy street, it was 18.598. so — told, and for andy street, it was 18,598, so we have been doing a tally of— 18,598, so we have been doing a tally of all— 18,598, so we have been doing a tally of all the other local authority areas, seven of them, all added _ authority areas, seven of them, all added up _ authority areas, seven of them, all added up to— authority areas, seven of them, all added up to get that final results for the _ added up to get that final results for the west midlands. and by my reckoning, — for the west midlands. and by my reckoning, richard parker got something like 225,000, and andy street— something like 225,000, and andy street got— something like 225,000, and andy street got 224,000. so, really incredibly— street got 224,000. so, really incredibly close there, about 1000 incredibly close there, about 1000 in it, _ incredibly close there, about 1000 in it. and — incredibly close there, about 1000 in it. and of— incredibly close there, about 1000 in it, and of course, any moment now we are— in it, and of course, any moment now we are expecting the returning officers — we are expecting the returning officers to formally announce the results _ officers to formally announce the results of — officers to formally announce the results of that that —— vote. the party _ results of that that —— vote. the party have — results of that that —— vote. the party have already called it the labour — party have already called it the labour party and nowjust by doing

the sums— labour party and nowjust by doing the sums it — labour party and nowjust by doing the sums it looks like the maths also adds— the sums it looks like the maths also adds up there and that labour's richard _ also adds up there and that labour's richard parker is soon to be declared _ richard parker is soon to be declared the new mayor of the west midlands _ declared the new mayor of the west midlands. all declared the new mayor of the west midlands. �* ., declared the new mayor of the west midlands. . ., ., ~ midlands. all right, ra'ini, thank ou, we midlands. all right, ra'ini, thank you. we with midlands. all right, ra'ini, thank you. we win go _ midlands. all right, ra'ini, thank you, we will go back i midlands. all right, rajini, thank you, we will go back to _ midlands. all right, rajini, thank you, we will go back to you i midlands. all right, rajini, thankj you, we will go back to you when midlands. all right, rajini, thank- you, we will go back to you when we have more information. let’s you, we will go back to you when we have more information.— you, we will go back to you when we have more information. let's go back to sirjohn curtis _ have more information. let's go back to sirjohn curtis who _ have more information. let's go back to sirjohn curtis who has _ have more information. let's go back to sirjohn curtis who has been i to sirjohn curtis who has been waiting for us. i do want to tell you that social media has been monitoring how long you have been with us on bbc news, they say you have been up since 7:35am for us on bbc breakfast. impressed by your stammer. now, iwant bbc breakfast. impressed by your stammer. now, i want to get your reaction to some of what we are hearing about those razor—thin margins, when it comes to the vote because now rajini has confirmed what we have been hearing from labour sources as well, that this is just about a little over 1000 votes. 0nce just about a little over 1000 votes. once that is declared, once that is confirmed officially, how razor—thin

margin is it, really? is this showing how tight that race was? absolutely. my colleagues behind me, i think they have also picked up the final results from sandwell and it is 0.3% margin for richard parker. now, in any election, that is incredibly close. and of course in an election that cover such a wide area as the west midlands, it is very, very unlikely that you are ever going to get an election that is that close. so, andy street will feel really hard done by. we believe we have some _ feel really hard done by. we believe we have some reaction _ feel really hard done by. we believe we have some reaction there - feel really hard done by. we believe we have some reaction there right l we have some reaction there right now, live pictures, and we do have people approaching that lectern so we do expect to have an official declaration any moment now, let's take a listen.

i believe we are going to get an update soon, you would certainly hope so if people are at the lectern and on the stage. but i believe they are doing some checks right now. let's take a listen.—

let's take a listen. declaration as result of poll _ let's take a listen. declaration as result of poll for— let's take a listen. declaration as result of poll for the _ let's take a listen. declaration as result of poll for the west - result of poll for the west midlands _ result of poll for the west midlands. 0n— result of poll for the west midlands. on thursday i result of poll for the westl midlands. on thursday the result of poll for the west i midlands. on thursday the 2nd result of poll for the west - midlands. on thursday the 2nd of result of poll for the west _ midlands. on thursday the 2nd of may 2024 _ midlands. on thursday the 2nd of may 2024 i. _ midlands. on thursday the 2nd of may 2024 i. julie — midlands. on thursday the 2nd of may 2024. i, julie newman, _ midlands. on thursday the 2nd of may 2024. i, julie newman, being- midlands. on thursday the 2nd of may 2024. i, julie newman, being the i 2024. i, julie newman, being the combined — 2024. i, julie newman, being the combined authority— 2024. i, julie newman, being the combined authority returning i 2024. i, julie newman, being the i combined authority returning officer at the _ combined authority returning officer at the above — combined authority returning officer at the above election, _ combined authority returning officer at the above election, do— combined authority returning officer at the above election, do hereby- at the above election, do hereby -ive at the above election, do hereby give notice — at the above election, do hereby give notice that _ at the above election, do hereby give notice that the _ at the above election, do hereby give notice that the number- at the above election, do hereby give notice that the number of. at the above election, do hereby- give notice that the number of votes recorded _ give notice that the number of votes recorded for— give notice that the number of votes recorded for each— give notice that the number of votes recorded for each candidate - give notice that the number of votes recorded for each candidate at - give notice that the number of votes recorded for each candidate at the l recorded for each candidate at the said election — recorded for each candidate at the said election is _ recorded for each candidate at the said election is as _ recorded for each candidate at the said election is as follows. - recorded for each candidate at the said election is as follows. harper| said election is as follows. harper names, _ said election is as follows. harper names, siobhan— said election is as follows. harper names, siobhan bridget, - said election is as follows. harper names, siobhan bridget, green . said election is as follows. harper- names, siobhan bridget, green party, 31036 _ names, siobhan bridget, green party, 31036 parker, — names, siobhan bridget, green party, 31036. parker, richard, _ names, siobhan bridget, green party, 31036. parker, richard, labour- names, siobhan bridget, green party, 31036. parker, richard, labourand. 31036. parker, richard, labourand co-operative — 31036. parker, richard, labourand co—operative party, _ 31036. parker, richard, labourand co—operative party, 225590. - andy street, the conservative party candidate, — andy street, the conservative party candidate, 224082. _ singh, liberal democrats, 12176.

williams. — singh, liberal democrats, 12176. williams, elaine, _ singh, liberal democrats, 12176. williams, elaine, reform- singh, liberal democrats, 12176. williams, elaine, reform uk, i singh, liberal democrats, 12176. i williams, elaine, reform uk, 34471. akhmed _ williams, elaine, reform uk, 34471. akhmed yakoob, _ williams, elaine, reform uk, 34471. akhmed yakoob, independent, i williams, elaine, reform uk, 34471. akhmed yakoob, independent, 69 i williams, elaine, reform uk, 34471. l akhmed yakoob, independent, 69 61. -- 6962t _ akhmed yakoob, independent, 69 61. -- 6962t the — akhmed yakoob, independent, 69 61. —— 69621. the number— akhmed yakoob, independent, 69 61. —— 69621. the number of— akhmed yakoob, independent, 69 61. —— 69621. the number of ballots- —— 69621. the number of ballots rejected — —— 69621. the number of ballots rejected was _ —— 69621. the number of ballots rejected was as _ —— 69621. the number of ballots rejected was as follows, - —— 69621. the number of ballots rejected was as follows, for- —— 69621. the number of ballots| rejected was as follows, for want —— 69621. the number of ballots. rejected was as follows, for want of an official _ rejected was as follows, for want of an official mark, _ rejected was as follows, for want of an official mark, 17, _ rejected was as follows, for want of an official mark, 17, voting - rejected was as follows, for want of an official mark, 17, voting for- an official mark, 17, voting for more — an official mark, 17, voting for more candidates _ an official mark, 17, voting for more candidates than - an official mark, 17, voting for more candidates than entitled an official mark, 17, voting for- more candidates than entitled to, 1294 _ more candidates than entitled to, 1294 writing _ more candidates than entitled to, 1294 writing or— more candidates than entitled to, 1294. writing or mark— more candidates than entitled to, 1294. writing or mark by - more candidates than entitled to, 1294. writing or mark by which i more candidates than entitled to, i 1294. writing or mark by which photo could _ 1294. writing or mark by which photo could be _ 1294. writing or mark by which photo could be identified, _ 1294. writing or mark by which photo could be identified, 46. _ 1294. writing or mark by which photo could be identified, 46. being - could be identified, 46. being unmarked _ could be identified, 46. being unmarked or— could be identified, 46. being unmarked or holy _ could be identified, 46. being unmarked or holy veld - could be identified, 46. being unmarked or holy veld for- unmarked or holy veld for uncertainty, _ unmarked or holy veld for uncertainty, 3400. - unmarked or holy veld for uncertainty, 3400. totall unmarked or holy veld for- uncertainty, 3400. total rejected, 4757~ _ uncertainty, 3400. total rejected, 4757~ vacant — uncertainty, 3400. total rejected, 4757. vacant seats, _ uncertainty, 3400. total rejected, 4757. vacant seats, one, - uncertainty, 3400. total rejected, i 4757. vacant seats, one, electorate 2018546. — 4757. vacant seats, one, electorate 2018546. ballot— 4757. vacant seats, one, electorate 2018546. ballot papers— 4757. vacant seats, one, electorate 2018546. ballot papers issued, i 2018546. ballot papers issued, 601828~ — 2018546. ballot papers issued, 601828. turnout _ 2018546. ballot papers issued, 601828. turnout was _ 2018546. ballot papers issued, 601828. turnout was 29.8%. l 2018546. ballot papers issued, i 601828. turnout was 29.8%. and i 2018546. ballot papers issued, - 601828. turnout was 29.8%. and i do hereby— 601828. turnout was 29.8%. and i do hereby declare — 601828. turnout was 29.8%. and i do hereby declare that _ 601828. turnout was 29.8%. and i do hereby declare that richard _ 601828. turnout was 29.8%. and i do hereby declare that richard parker. hereby declare that richard parker is duly— hereby declare that richard parker

is duly elected _ is duly elected. cheering. - thank you, first and foremost, thank you. i want to thank all of the staff at each polling station and at every count, thank you for your hard work. and thank you also to andy, you have led this region through a number of great challenges and you deserve great credit for that. you deserve great credit for that. you deserve credit for building up the combined authority and to the powerhouse it is today, for the economic shocks and leading this

region when it came out of covid. you have been out there representing our region, i absently believe that whilst our politics are different, andy, we both have the best interests of the west midlands at heart. i would also like to thank my wife alison, and my family for supporting me and being there as i have taken on this challenge, and for being there when i haven't been there. i would also like to thank my fantastic agent shall at walker for her tireless work —— tireless work. —— charlotte walker. and thank you to all those who have helped and supported me throughout this campaign, especially lucy who has been with me every day of the last 12 months, to every visit and every

hustings, and i look forward to working with lucy in office. this is the most important thing i will ever do. this week, people here voted for the person and the party, they recognise that a labour mayor can make a positive difference in this region. thank you. you have put your trust in me and i will repay that trust. i will deliverfor trust in me and i will repay that trust. i will deliver for you and your family. trust. i will deliver for you and yourfamily. i promise you trust. i will deliver for you and your family. i promise you that i will deliverjobs, we will fix our public transport system, we will build the homes that you need, and we will give the region the fresh start it richly deserves. and let me be really clear, i will work with the council leader across the combined authority to make this region a roaring success again. i will support them, i will defend

them, and i will stand up for all of our councils in the face of unprecedented tory cuts. cheering i will also stand up for those people that didn't vote for me. this means so much to our region, but it also means so much to our country. it shows that people are calling for labour and calling for change. people are looking once again at our party and asking us to govern. up and down the country... party and asking us to govern. up and down the country. . ._ and down the country... you're watchint and down the country. .. you're watching bbc— and down the country... you're watching bbc news. _ labour has just won the west midlands mayoral contest. you are watching richard parker give a speech right now, my colleague rajini vaidyanathan is in birmingham where richard parker has accepted his window, and is giving a speech right now saying people voted for

the person and the party. rajini. latte the person and the party. ra'ini. we will the person and the party. rajini. - willjust continue to watch that speech with richard parker there. his acceptance speech. you can see, though, the crowds, andy street is about to speak, so let's have a lesson in. about to speak, so let's have a lesson in— about to speak, so let's have a lesson in. . ., ., ., ., ., lesson in. we all want to go home, so let's leave _ lesson in. we all want to go home, so let's leave all _ lesson in. we all want to go home, so let's leave all of _ lesson in. we all want to go home, so let's leave all of that _ lesson in. we all want to go home, so let's leave all of that behind. i so let's leave all of that behind. madame — so let's leave all of that behind. madame returning officer, you will be relieved to know this is going to be relieved to know this is going to be a short— be relieved to know this is going to be a short speech. four thank yous, and one _ be a short speech. four thank yous, and one reflection. the first to thank— and one reflection. the first to thank you _ and one reflection. the first to thank you goes to you and all your teams _ thank you goes to you and all your teams across the region for a well conducted — teams across the region for a well conducted election, so thank you. the second — conducted election, so thank you. the second thank you of course must io the second thank you of course must go to— the second thank you of course must go to my— the second thank you of course must go to my fellow candidates. it was a very courteous campaign, and of course _ very courteous campaign, and of course i— very courteous campaign, and of course i should thank richard indeed for how— course i should thank richard indeed for how he _ course i should thank richard indeed for how he has conducted himself in the campaign and should congratulate him on _ the campaign and should congratulate him on his— the campaign and should congratulate him on his victory, and most importantly, wish you all strength and wisdom as he takes on this role.

and then _ and wisdom as he takes on this role. and then of— and wisdom as he takes on this role. and then of course, the third