Andy Street backs ‘kindred spirit’ Jeremy Hunt in Tory leadership contest

Andy Street has backed “kindred spirit” Jeremy Hunt in the Tory leadership contest.

The West Midlands Mayor said the former Cabinet Minister had the “values and pragmatism” required in a leader and was committed to levelling up the West Midlands.

Street said Hunt was the candidate who “most closely matches my long-established beliefs”.

He said: “He too is a pragmatist who acts dynamically to get things done,” he said. “His experience is unquestionable having been Britain’s longest serving Health Secretary.

“He shares my values of inclusivity. And I truly believe he can unite the party at such a fractured time.

“Critically, he knows what needs to be done to reignite the West Midlands economy. He is firmly committed to levelling up and investing in the region in both physical infrastructure and people’s skills.

“Moreover he will invest judiciously in building the business capability here. He has clear ideas which go beyond tax and spend to driving growth – something which I believe is the only way we can properly raise living standards.

“I see a kindred spirit with whom I know I could work for the benefit of all of the West Midlands, and although I do not have a vote at this stage, I wish him the very best of luck for the contest ahead.”

Street also backed Hunt in the 2019 leadership election he lost to Boris Johnson.