New Birmingham City Council leader Sir Albert Bore pledged to make job creation the focal point of his administration on his first day in charge.
The Labour leader said he aimed to restore Birmingham’s reputation as a centre of manufacturing and design and attract new investment.
Coun Bore last night officially took over the reigns of the city council after eight years in opposition following a huge local election win. And the eight members of his cabinet were told that jobs and enterprise would be the priorities of the administration. He said: "Birmingham was once known the world over for its ability to design and make things, and it can be known for that again.
"We already have 400 motor designers at Longbridge, this region has expertise in design. This will be fundamental to becoming an enterprise capital.
"When we talk about creating jobs, it is not about the council workforce, it is our aim to create the environment in which job opportunities can come about. This is not a goal which is unachievable."
Coun Bore said the city had "drifted" for too long and his new cabinet set-up, where senior councillors push policy agendas, such as jobs and development, or health and wellbeing, rather than run council departments, would focus on delivering prosperity.
"It is the number one priority," he said. "In education we will create the qualifications and skills needed, in our contracts we will look to buy Brummie."
Key to delivering on the jobs pledge will be the successful marketing of the Alstom and LDV site, which until now has been earmarked as a repair depot for the Birmingham to London High Speed rail scheme.
Labour bosses have decided they cannot wait a decade for the train depot to arrive and are looking to talk with Jaguar, MG Rover and other major employers about attracting component makers to the site sooner rather than later.
