I will replace cycling and walking commissioner - mayor

Adam Tranter announced he would be standing down from the role

The new West Midlands Mayor has confirmed his commitment to replacing the region's cycling and walking commissioner.

The current post holder, Adam Tranter, recently announced his intention to stand down from the role.

Mr Tranter was appointed in 2021 by Andy Street, the former Conservative mayor who was narrowly defeated by Labour's Richard Parker in the mayoral elections on 2 May.

Mr Parker said he would be working to find a "suitable replacement" in the wake of Mr Tranter's decision.

"Adam decided he no longer wanted to do the role and I respect his decision," he told the BBC.

"I'll be working with the key stakeholders and communities involved in supporting and campaigning for active travel to find the most suitable replacement as soon as possible."

Mr Parker said Mr Tranter had campaigned to expand the walking and cycling network and had helped "secure over £35m for the region, and to improve road safety".

'Tremendous privilege'

Announcing his resignation, Mr Tranter said the post had been "a tremendous privilege and a real opportunity to help make our streets both safer and better for walking and cycling".

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) said Mr Tranter had helped deliver a number of projects to improve cycling and walking facilities and brought "road safety to the top of the agenda".

He was previously Bicycle Mayor for Coventry, where he is from.