Birmingham councilor becomes deputy mayor of West Midlands

The deputy leader of Birmingham City Council has been appointed deputy mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The Labor Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, who rreplaced Andy Street in last month’s local elections, on Friday appointed Sharon Thompson as his new deputy.

The WMCA said her role will involve supporting the Mayor in delivering the region’s key priorities and acting as an ambassador for the West Midlands.

Cllr Thompson joined Birmingham City Council in 2014 and has campaigned on housing and homelessness issues, lobbying the government on payments for Grenfell cladding and social housing.

Her previous roles in the WMCA include portfolio holder for upscaling and devolution and chair of the homelessness membership advisory group.