West Midlands Combined Universities are shining the spotlight on the forthcoming West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Mayoral election by holding regional hustings events in each of their areas.
On Thursday May 4, the West Midlands will head to the polls to vote for its first Mayor for the West Midlands and the six candidates have been campaigning around the region in the run up to the election.
Birmingham City University will be hosting the first event at its Parkside Building, Curzon Street, Birmingham on Wednesday April 12 in partnership with WMCU and Bosch. The debate will be hosted by ITV Central News presenter, Bob Warman, with the six candidates present.
Professor Julian Beer, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, said: “This election will have a transformative effect on this region so it is vital that we give people the chance to put their questions to the candidates and hear their visions for the West Midlands.
“Eventually, the future of housing, transport, skills and overall budgets will lie in the hands of the winning candidate so we look forward to welcoming them to our campus for what is an important event in the run up to a historic election.”
Coventry University will be holding its debate at the Lanchester Library on its city centre campus on Tuesday April 18. The discussion will take place between 6pm and 7pm in front of a 100-strong audience, and will be broadcast live on BBC Coventry & Warwickshire with presenter Phil Upton hosting.
John Latham, vice-chancellor of Coventry University, said: “The West Midlands mayoral election will be a seminal moment for the region, shaping its future direction, economic strategy and political outlook for years to come. We’re delighted to be hosting this debate on campus, and expect it to be a compelling discussion of the key issues affecting people in our communities.”
The University of Wolverhampton will be hosting an event in its Chancellor’s Hall at the City Campus in Wolverhampton on Monday 24th April with five of the six candidates represented.
Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “As one of the three key cities in the West Midlands Combined Authority area and as one of the members of WMCU, we have offered candidates the opportunity to take part in a debate in the City of Wolverhampton.
“Our event will be very much targeted at our student audience but is also open to staff, partners and wider members of the public. We feel that a debate held at the University – a place where the exploration of democracy, free speech and ideas is central to what we offer – will be a great addition to the campaign diary.”