Liam Byrne gains a running mate

It was announced yesterday that Liam Byrne is planning to stand for Mayor of Birmingham. Today he made his official announcement (although it was overshadowed somewhat by Labour’s awful result in Bradford last night). As I said yesterday:

“Whether or not he’s backed by any significant figures in Birmingham Labour Party (such as local MPs or council leader and candidate Albert Bore) could be key to the success of his candidacy.”

Today, Byrne received just that backing, picking up council leader Sir Albert Bore as his running mate (a Byrne/Bore ticket as it’s described on his website. Bore has previously been a candidate for the role himself. Making the announcement, Byrne said:

 “I am most grateful for the support from the fantastic Sir Albert Bore. If the city votes yes, we will seek to form a Labour administration together in November. He is a man, quite simply, with an unparalleled experience, commitment and a track record of getting things done in Birmingham – and we have worked together in Labour politics for nearly 10 years”.

Meanwhile Bore said:

“For 12 years I have advocated cities being led by elected mayors. Birmingham needs to vote yes on 3 May and then elect a mayor who will deliver the many initiatives the city needs if it is to position itself for the future, nationally and internationally.

“I had previously intended to stand myself but I now want to join up Liam Byrne and work for Liam’s election as Birmingham’s first elected mayor. He will make a great elected mayor.”