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Senior business leaders say a combined authority in the West Midlands is not only important politically – it is key to private sector growth.

Birmingham Airport chief Paul Kehoe and David Smeeton, head of Colliers International in Birmingham, said political change was important to secure investment in the region.

Mr Kehoe told the Post : "We want a combined authority if it is going to deliver for the people of the region, and government is saying we need one – so get on with it. If that is the current game in town then we have to do it.

"The problem we have is tribal – it's the same as being Blues or Villa or a Baggie. But you can forget that the whole world doesn't see it like that.

"There is nothing wrong with patriotism but we are in competition with Manchester, Berlin, Barcelona and Lyon – we have to play the strongest hand we have and if that means a combined authority then just do it. Don't worry about the detail.

"Politicians say 'my people wouldn't stand that' but they will if it creates jobs and skills."

Mr Smeeton said the certainty of political structure in Greater Manchester offered an advantage to the North West and that must be halted.

He believes there is the prospect of major growth in the Midlands given the opportunity.

He said: "When we are trying to attract occupiers, we are constantly being tapped up by investors and this is holding back the region.

"I know about the Northern Powerhouse but the real powerhouse outside London is the Midlands. It will never be the North West. But they have stolen the agenda, and we have to get it back."