iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

We’re taking control of our buses because we need to make them better. I want to hear from the people who use them every day. What matters to you? Reliability, safety, affordability or accessibility? Tell us what needs to change. 🚌

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Out in Tamebridge today with Paul Moore, leader of Sandwell Labour, and local councillors. Talking to residents about what matters to them. It’s great to hear what people think about the new Prime Minister. How much they like and approve of what he's saying and doing. Labour is on their side.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Proud to see Bradley Taylor become Birmingham’s Poet Laureate. I’ve heard him perform a few times and invited him to the launch of our growth plan last year. He was fantastic. A brilliant ambassador for Birmingham and its creative talent. Congratulations, Bradley!

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

When something as fundamental as our West Midlands bus service is at risk, a Labour government won’t just be a spectator. We stepped in. We protected the network and 5,000 jobs. We’re bringing our buses back into public control. 🚌

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Labour Conference day one. Top deck energy! We’re taking back tour buses 🚌💜!

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

It's no secret that I want to hear what you think about buses across the West Midlands. The good, the bad and everything in between. All of it is important. So if you've got five minutes, click the link below and let's make things better, together. 👇 engage.wmca.org.uk/en-GB/folder...

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The best way to find out what people want in the West Midlands is to get out and ask them. I’ve been out on the high street, finding out what matters most. Had some good suggestions on where to go next. What do you think?

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I’m travelling right across the West Midlands to find out what matters to the people that live here. What they think should be done differently. Where should I visit next?

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Healome is one of the first startups to benefit from the Midlands Mindforge investment. Backing businesses like this is vital for creating good jobs and giving local entrepreneurs the chance to grow. I want to give many more the chance to start and succeed here in the West Midlands.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

We’ve already started turning around years of underinvestment in social housing. Now, with Government backing, we can go further and faster to build the homes people need.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Nearly 15,000 children in the West Midlands are living in temporary accommodation. I want that number down - fast. Today we secured £409m to build around 3,200 new social and affordable homes on top of what we're already delivering. People deserve a decent home. We’re going to build them.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

We made a big decision to protect our buses, our services and the people who rely on them. Here’s why we had to act.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Good luck to all those getting their GCSE results today. Whatever happens next, remember there are many paths you can take to success here in the West Midlands. Olivia’s story is proof that with the drive to succeed, and the right support, you can find a career to be proud of.

wmca.org.uk

Young Wolverhampton woman lands dream job after leaving school with ‘zero’ GCSEs

“Don’t give up – push yourself to get the job you want.” That’s the inspirational message from Olivia Mackay who despite leaving school with no GCSE qualifications got herself on a training course and...

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Protecting jobs, maintaining services, and keeping the West Midlands moving. Taking our buses into public ownership protects what we have today and gives us the control to build the kind of network the region sorely needs.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Good luck to everyone collecting results from their schools, colleges and wider training providers in the West Midlands today. Whatever your results, remember there isn't one route to success. This is a region of real opportunity. I hope today is the start of an exciting new chapter for you all.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Mangoes, mangoes, mangoes at the Soho Road Mango Festival today - part of the Spirit of Pakistan Festival. 🇵🇰 What a brilliant atmosphere.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

I want the next phase of regional devolution to be shaped by the people who live here. I’m travelling across the West Midlands. Sitting down with residents to hear their thoughts, ideas and concerns. These conversations matter because their voices and experiences should inform those decisions.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

The Prime Minister knows what mayors can achieve. That's why devolution is one of his top priorities. Here's my take on what the job is really about. substack.com/home/post/p-...

substack.com

What does a Mayor know about running the country?

Andy Burnham spent almost a decade in my job and that changes what's possible for the West Midlands.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

These new freedoms through further devolution will help drive innovate projects like Coventry’s Very Light Rail.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Remember - this month kids ride free across all West Midlands buses!

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

I want the new changes in regional devolution to benefit the entire West Midlands. I spoke recently about one redevelopment, which is an example of the difference it will make to the people who live here.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

This is good news for the West Midlands. More money will stay in the region, and go towards the things that matter most to the people that live here.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

This is huge, and will help thousands across our region with the cost-of-living!

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

I was very impressed when I visited the Q3 Academy in Tipton with @antoniabance.bsky.social. Their combined cadet service is a great programme. They’re getting the skills and experience that will give them a better future, with more opportunities. That’s what it’s all about.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Enjoyed my latest ‘Ask the Mayor’ event. Took questions across a whole range of topics that affect the region, asked by those with differing opinions. Huge thanks to David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, for compering and hosting us.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Spent some time with Mary Creagh at Lake View Park launching the new West Midlands Nature Investment Hub. Perfect location for it. A great idea. Bringing together businesses, landowners and investors to back nature projects right here in our communities. Looking forward to seeing it grow.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Beautiful day in Coventry. Important meeting with Council Leader, and good friend, George Duggins. Then a quick stop in the Herbert Museum’s café. The sun is out and the sky is blue.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

I watched the game tonight with Coventry City - not an easy win, but a fantastic result. Well done Kane. Well done England. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Mexico here we come!

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

There's something special about seeing the Metro running in Dudley. I've made this line a real priority because I know what it will do for the town. Bringing more people into Dudley. Attracting investment. Boosting local businesses. Big day for testing yesterday. Not long now.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Afternoon in the Wolverhampton office with Steve Simkins. Lots going on. Lots to do. Always good to sit down together and have a proper catch up.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Lovely art-filled moment, today. Pupils from local Victoria College came in to the WMCA office with a pop-up craft stall. Things they’ve drawn, knitted, glued and grown. Lovely chat with them, and bought a spider plant to brighten my desk.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Looking forward to this one. Feels like Summer is really starting! Plenty of players from the West Midlands out there tonight, and millions of us shouting advice from home or in the pub. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Come on England. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Enjoyed speaking at the Co-op Congress on the theme of creativity. I feel strongly that that the co-operative movement delivers on its core belief: that people achieve more when they work together than they do on their own. #coopcongress @cooperativesuk.bsky.social

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Great to be at Edgbaston today. There’s a real buzz around the city. People travelling in. Local businesses busy. A brilliant atmosphere. Beautiful weather doesn’t hurt, either!

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

As I drove past Edgbaston today, it was great to see all the signage up, and all the people gathering for the start of the Women's T20 World Cup. I’m seeing one of the matches this weekend, and good luck to England today as they start things off.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

The local election results in May were tough. Tough because of the good councillors we lost, and for what they mean for public trust. I've written for the Fabian Society about some of those challenges, and what I think we need to do next. fabians.org.uk/learning-les...

fabians.org.uk

Learning Lessons: Reimagined Britain | Fabian Society

Fabian Society

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

It's been encouraging to hear what people think about my Night-Time Economy Commission report. On the things we’re going to change to make things better and easier. Really resonating with people. More over the weekend. Time for these changes to happen. People want to see things change quickly.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Our current bus network isn’t working like it should. Public services should work for the public.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

In my manifesto I made a promise to crack down on rogue landlords. Spent some time with University College Birmingham and Midland Heart launching a new qualification focussed on creating the most qualified housing professionals in the country. It’s a great idea, and a big challenge.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

It’s always great to see Lime bikes and scooters being used. I've noticed them a lot since we launched them, back in April. Especially around Birmingham New Street in the mornings on my way in. Looking forward to seeing people use them in Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton from this week.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Pride Month starts today. A time to celebrate, definitely. And reflect. Celebrate people being their true selves. But reflect that it’s only recently that we’ve had equality in marriage, for parents, from discrimination. I want the West Midlands to be a place where all communities come together.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Making things is what we’ve done brilliantly for centuries in this region. This is a great project to help create 50,000 jobs for young people. Project MADE will mean more chances for young people to build their future here in the West Midlands. www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midland...

birminghammail.co.uk

West Midlands plan targets 50,000 advanced manufacturing jobs by 2035

Project MADE (Midlands Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem) has published a new report setting out a vision to boost growth in the West Midlands advanced manufacturing sector and create 50,000 new jobs b...

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Free buses for kids, and cheaper tickets to places like Cadbury World, the Black Country Living Museum, or the Herbert in Coventry to see Dippy. Great for families over the summer. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Cheaper theme park tickets and children's meals as VAT to be cut for some attractions this summer

Chancellor Rachel Reeves made a series of announcements aimed at relieving cost-of-living pressures.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

🌈❤️A great day for Pride ❤️🌈 This festival has shone in Birmingham for nearly thirty years, and its message is just as important as it has ever been. Perhaps even more so in the current climate. It’s our different communities that make us what we are. We all deserve to feel seen, and be represented.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Building on our rich heritage to develop the future of the region’s rail through new stations and investment.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Great day in London hosting a Football Foundation roundtable in Number 10. Found time to grab a coffee and catch up with emails, while there was a break in the weather.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

While politics shifts around us, my focus stays the same: getting things done for the West Midlands. I spoke today at UK Rail 2026 about why investment in rail matters to the entire region. We’re opening new stations, improving services and building a transport network people can rely on.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

For years, places like Washwood Heath were left behind. Now we’re bringing investment, skilled jobs and opportunity back into the heart of the West Midlands. More than 1,500 jobs. A historic industrial site brought back into use. And long-term growth for local communities.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

A fantastic Vaisakhi celebration in Smethwick today. The West Midlands is stronger because of the communities and cultures that make this region what it is. Proud to be Mayor for every part of our region.

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Richard Parker @richardparkerwm.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Polls are open until 10pm - and every vote is going to matter. Vote for Labour councillors that care about your local services, and want to keep the West Midlands united instead of divided.

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