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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Jessica Murray

Andy Street’s West Midlands defeat shows the heavy baggage of brand Tory

Andy Street West Midlands Richard Parker
Andy Street looks dejected as he leaves Birmingham’s International Convention Centre
Andy Street leaves Birmingham’s International Convention Centre after his defeat by Labour's Richard Parker as the new West Midlands mayor. Photograph: Jacob King/PA

After a nail-biting finale, Andy Street has become the most high-profile victim of tanking Tory support in May’s elections.

With the Conservatives shedding seats across the country on Friday, all eyes were on the West Midlands on Saturday to see if he could cling on by sheer will of personality – or “Brand Andy” as he calls it.

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