Richard is the Labour and Co-operative Mayor of the West Midlands.Richard previously provided strategy, policy and governance advice to the public and private sector.As a Partner at PwC he brokered the deal, ,working with Council Leaders, that led to the creation of the West Midlands Combined Authority in 2016. He remains passionate about devolution and is currently working on policy interventions that will improve opportunity, fairness, diversity and inclusion across the West Midlands.Richard sits on the Board of the West Midlands Forum and is the Chair of The West Midlands Labour Finance and Industry Group.He has advised Labour Politicians at a national and regional level and on major legislative change in housing and devolution including the 2009/10 reforms to Local Authority housing finance ( HRA reforms ). He was a member of the 2014 /15 Commission on Housing, chaired by Sir Michael Lyons.Richard is the author of a number of publications on regional economic and social policy including: ‘From Decent Homes to Great Places’, 'Investing in Hope’ and The 'Hard Times’ series that PwC co published with L&Q on the future of affordable housing.