Labour’s Richard Parker claims shock over Andy Street victory in West Midlands mayoral election as Jubilant Keir Starmer hails ‘phenomenal result’ that was ‘beyond our expectations’ plunging Tories into fresh crisis [Video]

14:59 EDT 04 May 2024, updated 19:00 EDT 04 May 2024

Labour has claimed a shock victory in the West Midlands mayoral elections, beating Tory Andy Street – in a move a jubilant Kier Starmer tonight hailed as a ‘phenomenal result’. 

Labour’s Richard Parker beat him by 1,508 votes to become Mayor in an extremely close contest.

It means Mr Street will be denied his third term, in a major blow for Rishi Sunak after a disastrous local elections – who tonight admitted it had been a ‘disappointing’ result.

Speaking after his loss, the former John Lewis boss paid tribute to what he believes is important about his role.

He said: ‘Most importantly my thanks of course go to everybody who voted for me on Thursday and for the trust that they showed in me. 

‘That’s perhaps the most important word in politics of all.’

He continued: ‘It has been my honour to lead you for the last seven years. I …