Sion Simon to quit as MP to campaign for a mayor for Birmingham

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

Sion Simon, the Labour MP for Birmingham Erdington and minister for creative industries, is to stand down at the general election in order to focus on lobbying for the city to get its first elected mayor.

Simon said:

“The answer to Birmingham’s problems simply don’t lie in London. I’m certainly committed to putting myself forward and becoming the Labour candidate.”

Birmingham does not yet have a mayor, but under Local Government law a council can vote to hold a referendum of its citizens, asking them if they want one, and a 2006 report by the Centre for Cities suggested a Greater Birmingham Authority under a tax-raising mayor could deliver ambitious infrastructure projects.

The Erdington seat, with a majority of 9,575, will now be open to a selection.

Tagged in Local, People, Election2010.