West Midlands Mayoral candidate launches crowdfunding campaign

The Liberal Democrat candidate in the race to become the first West Midlands Mayor has launched a crowdfunding campaign to boost her campaign resources.

Former regional CBI director Beverley Nielsen believes the move will help her compete with the powerful party machines of her two main political rivals.

“It’s never going to be a battle of the equals in terms of resources, but if the video succeeds, at least we’ll be able to reach more of the many people who voted Remain, and those who backed Leave but now regret their decision.” said Ms Nielsen.

The crowdfunding video highlights the range of support for Ms Nielsen across all sectors, age groups and walks of life – from charities, small business and manufacturing to sport and the first-time voter.

“We need the resources to balance the democratic deficit and ensure (our) voice is never ignored again,” she added.

Ms Nielsen has also spoken on HS2 getting Royal Ascent and the need to maximise the potential of the £56bn project to get the best for the West Midlands’ economy.

“With HS2 having finally been given the go-ahead by Parliament it has officially become the catalyst to growth that has been spoken about for so many years. It must drive the integrated approach needed,” she said.

“HS2 must build local capacity – not just through high speed connectivity, but as a highly powered and focussed inclusive wealth generation project. High Speed Rail College is a great opportunity to produce the talent we need locally. We must source and procure as much as possible locally.

“And as Mayor I would use this as a wonderful opportunity to fast track landscape and environmental developments to regenerate our communities alongside the track.”

•    The candidates for May’s mayoral election will be put under the spotlight in front of a business audience next month.

TheBusinessDesk.com is holding the hustings at the Birmingham REP on Tuesday, March 7. It is your chance to meet, hear from and quiz the West Midlands mayoral candidates about issues that are key to the business community and the economic success of the region.

The event will be the perfect opportunity to get to know each candidate and their plans for the region ahead of the mayoral election on May 4.

The confirmed candidates* for the event are:

James Burn (Green Party)
Peter Durnell (UK Independence Party)
Beverley Nielsen (Liberal Democrats)
Andy Street (Conservative Party)

*Sion Simon, the Labour candidate, has declined to participate.

Close