Richard Parker

The West Midlands is full of untapped talent and potential.

My Growth Plan is about unlocking opportunity - for everyone, in every place.

It’s not about politics or paperwork - it’s about the people in our region.

We're putting buses in the spotlight this Wednesday, at The Albany Theatre, Coventry.

Join me and @TaiwoOwatemi from 5:30pm as we share our plans for the region and hear your views and ideas for our bus network.

I look forward to seeing you there if you can make it.

eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-talk-bu…

As the temperature drops and we have much colder nights, too many homes across the West Midlands are expensive for residents to heat and feel warm in.

That’s why we’re working with @citizen_housing to retrofit more than 3,500 homes in the region. It means better-insulated homes that cost less to heat, while also creating jobs and developing the construction skills we need here.

I visited Leanne in Canley, Coventry, to see the difference this is already making. She told me: "Since the work’s been done, I haven’t had my heating on once. I’ve saved on my gas enormously and noticed a massive difference in my bills."

That’s what I want to see more of across the West Midlands: warmer homes, lower bills, and more local people with the skills and jobs to deliver them.

Across the West Midlands today we will honour those that defended this country, and remember those who never came home, in the places around this region that mark that significance.

We remember those who gave their lives in service, those who returned carrying the effects of conflict, and their families.

We will remember them.

Lots has been said about the buses in the West Midlands. What's your opinion?

I'll be reading your comments.