Copyright: BBC
“You’ll be relieved to know this is a short speech,” begins outgoing Tory mayor Andy Street, alluding to the late result.
He thanks his fellow candidates for conducting a “courteous campaign”, before congratulating his successor, Labour’s Richard Parker.
“I wish him all strength and wisdom in the role,” he says.
Street then thanks his own team, saying it has been an “honour to lead you”, adding: “Sorry we couldn’t make that hat-trick.”
Finally, he thanks those who voted for him and for the “trust” they put in him.
Becoming emotional, he says it “has been my honour to serve and lead”.
