A number of candidates stepped forward in 2012, when Birmingham held a referendum on creating a mayor, and some of them would probably want to try again.
But this time the battle might be different, as councils could create a 鈥渕etro-mayor鈥 or city region mayor covering a number of local authorities.
Birmingham politicians:
At least three Labour politicians in Birmingham were set to fight to become their party鈥檚 candidate in 2012, and might try again.
They are (Lab Hodge Hill), the former Treasury Minister, (Lab Edgbaston), a former Health Minister, and , a former MP and now MEP, who is a former Culture Minister.
, Labour leader of the city council, would be another potential candidate.
For the Liberal Democrats, MP has indicated he could stand 鈥 even though he has reservations about the idea of an elected mayor.
It was an open secret that former council leader , now Lord Whitby, hoped to stand for the Conservative Party in 2012. But councillor , the current leader of the Conservative group on the city council, might hope to become the Tory candidate.
Black Country politicians:
Sandwell Council鈥檚 Labour leader , chair of the Black Country Executive, argues the Black Country is leading the way when it comes to bringing the region together.
If a metro-mayor is created, he could convince his party that picking a candidate from outside Birmingham is the best way to win over sceptical voters.
Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden is seen as one of Labour鈥檚 most capable MPs.
The former Business Minister was sidelined by Labour leader Ed Miliband until very recently because he is seen as a Blairite and reportedly because of his refusal to accept a junior shadow ministerial role in 2010, but was appointed Shadow Europe Minister last month.
Dudley North MP, a former Minister for the West Midlands, is another potential Labour candidate.
Possible Conservatives candidates might include Margot James, MP for Stourbridge.
Originally from Coventry, she had a successful career in business, founding her own PR consultancy, and is on the liberal wing of her party.
High profile 海角视频IP MEP Bill Etheridge could be a candidate for his party. He previously stood for the post of Police and Crime Commissioner and is also a Dudley councillor.
Other possibilities:
A mayoral election could attract candidates from the business community.
John Lewis boss , chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, is widely respected at Westminster as well as locally, while the LEP is seen as one of the most well-managed and effective in the country.
Bromsgrove MP is one of the most talented of the younger generation of Tory MPs, and is currently Culture Secretary.
Whether he would want to abandon his career at Westminster is another matter.
