Commenting on the election of Liz Truss as the next UK prime minister today (5 September), Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: "The in-tray facing our new prime minister would challenge the most talented of governments.

"I think it's very questionable we now have a talented government - instead we're seeing a reshuffle of the same old tired and out of touch administration we've had since 2010, only this time the stakes couldn't be higher. The challenges are huge: skyrocketing energy prices, the cost-of-living crisis, the climate and ecological emergency, the issues we're seeing in the NHS and the war in Ukraine to name but a few.

"But I worry about the early signs, and it's alarming Ms Truss thinks that tax cuts are the silver bullet. Is a tax cut to favour the wealthiest really the priority of our times? I think not. I believe those with the broadest shoulders should carry their fair share and that tax cuts, therefore, are not the best way forward for the West of England. After over a decade in power, the Tories are out of ideas, and only Labour can offer the fresh start the people of the West of England and the whole country deserve and, frankly, at this very tough time - need".

Last week Dan Norris visited The Community Farm to meet some of the 48 locals benefitting from Combined Authority-funded training courses.