Richard Parker
@richardparkerwm.bsky.social
Labour & Co-op Mayor of the West Midlands
Proud to see Bradley Taylor become Birmingham’s Poet Laureate.
I’ve heard him perform a few times and invited him to the launch of our growth plan last year. He was fantastic.
A brilliant ambassador for Birmingham and its creative talent.
Congratulations, Bradley!
I’ve heard him perform a few times and invited him to the launch of our growth plan last year. He was fantastic.
A brilliant ambassador for Birmingham and its creative talent.
Congratulations, Bradley!
October 1, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Proud to see Bradley Taylor become Birmingham’s Poet Laureate.
I’ve heard him perform a few times and invited him to the launch of our growth plan last year. He was fantastic.
A brilliant ambassador for Birmingham and its creative talent.
Congratulations, Bradley!
I’ve heard him perform a few times and invited him to the launch of our growth plan last year. He was fantastic.
A brilliant ambassador for Birmingham and its creative talent.
Congratulations, Bradley!
When something as fundamental as our West Midlands bus service is at risk, a Labour government won’t just be a spectator.
We stepped in. We protected the network and 5,000 jobs.
We’re bringing our buses back into public control. 🚌
We stepped in. We protected the network and 5,000 jobs.
We’re bringing our buses back into public control. 🚌
September 28, 2026 at 4:54 PM
When something as fundamental as our West Midlands bus service is at risk, a Labour government won’t just be a spectator.
We stepped in. We protected the network and 5,000 jobs.
We’re bringing our buses back into public control. 🚌
We stepped in. We protected the network and 5,000 jobs.
We’re bringing our buses back into public control. 🚌
Labour Conference day one. Top deck energy! We’re taking back tour buses 🚌💜!
September 26, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Labour Conference day one. Top deck energy! We’re taking back tour buses 🚌💜!
It's no secret that I want to hear what you think about buses across the West Midlands.
The good, the bad and everything in between. All of it is important.
So if you've got five minutes, click the link below and let's make things better, together. 👇
engage.wmca.org.uk/en-GB/folder...
The good, the bad and everything in between. All of it is important.
So if you've got five minutes, click the link below and let's make things better, together. 👇
engage.wmca.org.uk/en-GB/folder...
September 19, 2026 at 4:52 PM
It's no secret that I want to hear what you think about buses across the West Midlands.
The good, the bad and everything in between. All of it is important.
So if you've got five minutes, click the link below and let's make things better, together. 👇
engage.wmca.org.uk/en-GB/folder...
The good, the bad and everything in between. All of it is important.
So if you've got five minutes, click the link below and let's make things better, together. 👇
engage.wmca.org.uk/en-GB/folder...
The best way to find out what people want in the West Midlands is to get out and ask them.
I’ve been out on the high street, finding out what matters most.
Had some good suggestions on where to go next.
What do you think?
I’ve been out on the high street, finding out what matters most.
Had some good suggestions on where to go next.
What do you think?
September 15, 2026 at 3:26 PM
The best way to find out what people want in the West Midlands is to get out and ask them.
I’ve been out on the high street, finding out what matters most.
Had some good suggestions on where to go next.
What do you think?
I’ve been out on the high street, finding out what matters most.
Had some good suggestions on where to go next.
What do you think?
I’m travelling right across the West Midlands to find out what matters to the people that live here. What they think should be done differently.
Where should I visit next?
Where should I visit next?
September 4, 2026 at 6:36 AM
I’m travelling right across the West Midlands to find out what matters to the people that live here. What they think should be done differently.
Where should I visit next?
Where should I visit next?
Healome is one of the first startups to benefit from the Midlands Mindforge investment.
Backing businesses like this is vital for creating good jobs and giving local entrepreneurs the chance to grow.
I want to give many more the chance to start and succeed here in the West Midlands.
Backing businesses like this is vital for creating good jobs and giving local entrepreneurs the chance to grow.
I want to give many more the chance to start and succeed here in the West Midlands.
September 2, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Healome is one of the first startups to benefit from the Midlands Mindforge investment.
Backing businesses like this is vital for creating good jobs and giving local entrepreneurs the chance to grow.
I want to give many more the chance to start and succeed here in the West Midlands.
Backing businesses like this is vital for creating good jobs and giving local entrepreneurs the chance to grow.
I want to give many more the chance to start and succeed here in the West Midlands.
We’ve already started turning around years of underinvestment in social housing. Now, with Government backing, we can go further and faster to build the homes people need.
August 25, 2026 at 3:55 PM
We’ve already started turning around years of underinvestment in social housing. Now, with Government backing, we can go further and faster to build the homes people need.
Nearly 15,000 children in the West Midlands are living in temporary accommodation.
I want that number down - fast.
Today we secured £409m to build around 3,200 new social and affordable homes on top of what we're already delivering.
People deserve a decent home. We’re going to build them.
I want that number down - fast.
Today we secured £409m to build around 3,200 new social and affordable homes on top of what we're already delivering.
People deserve a decent home. We’re going to build them.
August 25, 2026 at 10:27 AM
Nearly 15,000 children in the West Midlands are living in temporary accommodation.
I want that number down - fast.
Today we secured £409m to build around 3,200 new social and affordable homes on top of what we're already delivering.
People deserve a decent home. We’re going to build them.
I want that number down - fast.
Today we secured £409m to build around 3,200 new social and affordable homes on top of what we're already delivering.
People deserve a decent home. We’re going to build them.
We made a big decision to protect our buses, our services and the people who rely on them.
Here’s why we had to act.
Here’s why we had to act.
August 20, 2026 at 3:25 PM
We made a big decision to protect our buses, our services and the people who rely on them.
Here’s why we had to act.
Here’s why we had to act.
Good luck to all those getting their GCSE results today.
Whatever happens next, remember there are many paths you can take to success here in the West Midlands.
Olivia’s story is proof that with the drive to succeed, and the right support, you can find a career to be proud of.
Whatever happens next, remember there are many paths you can take to success here in the West Midlands.
Olivia’s story is proof that with the drive to succeed, and the right support, you can find a career to be proud of.
Young Wolverhampton woman lands dream job after leaving school with ‘zero’ GCSEs
“Don’t give up – push yourself to get the job you want.” That’s the inspirational message from Olivia Mackay who despite leaving school with no GCSE qualifications got herself on a training course and...
www.wmca.org.uk
August 20, 2026 at 6:33 AM
Good luck to all those getting their GCSE results today.
Whatever happens next, remember there are many paths you can take to success here in the West Midlands.
Olivia’s story is proof that with the drive to succeed, and the right support, you can find a career to be proud of.
Whatever happens next, remember there are many paths you can take to success here in the West Midlands.
Olivia’s story is proof that with the drive to succeed, and the right support, you can find a career to be proud of.
Protecting jobs, maintaining services, and keeping the West Midlands moving.
Taking our buses into public ownership protects what we have today and gives us the control to build the kind of network the region sorely needs.
Taking our buses into public ownership protects what we have today and gives us the control to build the kind of network the region sorely needs.
August 19, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Protecting jobs, maintaining services, and keeping the West Midlands moving.
Taking our buses into public ownership protects what we have today and gives us the control to build the kind of network the region sorely needs.
Taking our buses into public ownership protects what we have today and gives us the control to build the kind of network the region sorely needs.
Good luck to everyone collecting results from their schools, colleges and wider training providers in the West Midlands today.
Whatever your results, remember there isn't one route to success. This is a region of real opportunity. I hope today is the start of an exciting new chapter for you all.
Whatever your results, remember there isn't one route to success. This is a region of real opportunity. I hope today is the start of an exciting new chapter for you all.
August 13, 2026 at 6:02 AM
Good luck to everyone collecting results from their schools, colleges and wider training providers in the West Midlands today.
Whatever your results, remember there isn't one route to success. This is a region of real opportunity. I hope today is the start of an exciting new chapter for you all.
Whatever your results, remember there isn't one route to success. This is a region of real opportunity. I hope today is the start of an exciting new chapter for you all.
Mangoes, mangoes, mangoes at the Soho Road Mango Festival today - part of the Spirit of Pakistan Festival. 🇵🇰
What a brilliant atmosphere.
What a brilliant atmosphere.
August 10, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Mangoes, mangoes, mangoes at the Soho Road Mango Festival today - part of the Spirit of Pakistan Festival. 🇵🇰
What a brilliant atmosphere.
What a brilliant atmosphere.
I want the next phase of regional devolution to be shaped by the people who live here.
I’m travelling across the West Midlands. Sitting down with residents to hear their thoughts, ideas and concerns.
These conversations matter because their voices and experiences should inform those decisions.
I’m travelling across the West Midlands. Sitting down with residents to hear their thoughts, ideas and concerns.
These conversations matter because their voices and experiences should inform those decisions.
August 5, 2026 at 4:29 PM
I want the next phase of regional devolution to be shaped by the people who live here.
I’m travelling across the West Midlands. Sitting down with residents to hear their thoughts, ideas and concerns.
These conversations matter because their voices and experiences should inform those decisions.
I’m travelling across the West Midlands. Sitting down with residents to hear their thoughts, ideas and concerns.
These conversations matter because their voices and experiences should inform those decisions.
The Prime Minister knows what mayors can achieve. That's why devolution is one of his top priorities. Here's my take on what the job is really about.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com/home/post/p-...
What does a Mayor know about running the country?
Andy Burnham spent almost a decade in my job and that changes what's possible for the West Midlands.
substack.com
August 5, 2026 at 10:57 AM
The Prime Minister knows what mayors can achieve. That's why devolution is one of his top priorities. Here's my take on what the job is really about.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com/home/post/p-...
These new freedoms through further devolution will help drive innovate projects like Coventry’s Very Light Rail.
August 3, 2026 at 4:54 PM
These new freedoms through further devolution will help drive innovate projects like Coventry’s Very Light Rail.
Remember - this month kids ride free across all West Midlands buses!
August 3, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Remember - this month kids ride free across all West Midlands buses!
I want the new changes in regional devolution to benefit the entire West Midlands.
I spoke recently about one redevelopment, which is an example of the difference it will make to the people who live here.
I spoke recently about one redevelopment, which is an example of the difference it will make to the people who live here.
August 1, 2026 at 7:10 PM
I want the new changes in regional devolution to benefit the entire West Midlands.
I spoke recently about one redevelopment, which is an example of the difference it will make to the people who live here.
I spoke recently about one redevelopment, which is an example of the difference it will make to the people who live here.
This is good news for the West Midlands.
More money will stay in the region, and go towards the things that matter most to the people that live here.
More money will stay in the region, and go towards the things that matter most to the people that live here.
July 31, 2026 at 1:01 PM
This is good news for the West Midlands.
More money will stay in the region, and go towards the things that matter most to the people that live here.
More money will stay in the region, and go towards the things that matter most to the people that live here.
This is huge, and will help thousands across our region with the cost-of-living!
July 22, 2026 at 10:12 AM
This is huge, and will help thousands across our region with the cost-of-living!
I was very impressed when I visited the Q3 Academy in Tipton with @antoniabance.bsky.social.
Their combined cadet service is a great programme.
They’re getting the skills and experience that will give them a better future, with more opportunities.
That’s what it’s all about.
Their combined cadet service is a great programme.
They’re getting the skills and experience that will give them a better future, with more opportunities.
That’s what it’s all about.
July 17, 2026 at 10:32 AM
I was very impressed when I visited the Q3 Academy in Tipton with @antoniabance.bsky.social.
Their combined cadet service is a great programme.
They’re getting the skills and experience that will give them a better future, with more opportunities.
That’s what it’s all about.
Their combined cadet service is a great programme.
They’re getting the skills and experience that will give them a better future, with more opportunities.
That’s what it’s all about.
Enjoyed my latest ‘Ask the Mayor’ event.
Took questions across a whole range of topics that affect the region, asked by those with differing opinions.
Huge thanks to David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, for compering and hosting us.
Took questions across a whole range of topics that affect the region, asked by those with differing opinions.
Huge thanks to David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, for compering and hosting us.
July 16, 2026 at 11:33 AM
Enjoyed my latest ‘Ask the Mayor’ event.
Took questions across a whole range of topics that affect the region, asked by those with differing opinions.
Huge thanks to David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, for compering and hosting us.
Took questions across a whole range of topics that affect the region, asked by those with differing opinions.
Huge thanks to David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, for compering and hosting us.
Spent some time with Mary Creagh at Lake View Park launching the new West Midlands Nature Investment Hub. Perfect location for it.
A great idea. Bringing together businesses, landowners and investors to back nature projects right here in our communities.
Looking forward to seeing it grow.
A great idea. Bringing together businesses, landowners and investors to back nature projects right here in our communities.
Looking forward to seeing it grow.
July 7, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Spent some time with Mary Creagh at Lake View Park launching the new West Midlands Nature Investment Hub. Perfect location for it.
A great idea. Bringing together businesses, landowners and investors to back nature projects right here in our communities.
Looking forward to seeing it grow.
A great idea. Bringing together businesses, landowners and investors to back nature projects right here in our communities.
Looking forward to seeing it grow.
Beautiful day in Coventry. Important meeting with Council Leader, and good friend, George Duggins. Then a quick stop in the Herbert Museum’s café. The sun is out and the sky is blue.
July 2, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Beautiful day in Coventry. Important meeting with Council Leader, and good friend, George Duggins. Then a quick stop in the Herbert Museum’s café. The sun is out and the sky is blue.