Two Conservative mayors have very different ideas about cities
Andy Street and Ben Houchen illustrate deep Tory confusion about urban areas and their needs
FOUR YEARS ago two men were elected as regional mayors, giving them powers over planning, transport and housing—and some of the highest profiles and biggest mandates in British politics. They have a lot in common. Andy Street, the mayor of the West Midlands, and Ben Houchen, the mayor of Tees Valley, in north-east England, were both businessmen before they became politicians. Both are Conservatives in places where the Labour Party has traditionally been strong, and won narrowly. Both face re-election in May. Because they have done their jobs well, both are quite likely to serve another term.
This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Men about town”
Britain April 10th 2021
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- Two Conservative mayors have very different ideas about cities
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- Brexit is the catalyst for rioting in Northern Ireland
- Foreign students remain remarkably keen on Britain’s universities
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