Sir Digby Jones has offered his services to boost the regeneration of Birmingham, the city he "loves more than anywhere else" - after accusing it of "navel gazing".

Sir Digby said he would be available to help one or two projects on a part-time basis when he leaves his post of director general of the CBI.

He is due to finish his seven-year stint by the end of this year, and it is thought likely he will leave before his term ends in December.

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Sir Digby, who grew up in Longbridge and still has a home near Warwick, began his professional career in Birmingham at the law firm Edge & Ellison before joining KPMG in the city.

He said: "When I step down from the CBI I would be happy and glad to give my time to one or two projects in Birmingham.

"I will help them if I am wanted. If there's a challenge where it is felt I can make a contribution I will do it to help the city I love more than anywhere else."

Sir Digby said action was needed to boost the regeneration of Birmingham, which he said had begun to lapse amid "navel gazing" and complacency.

"The problem in Birmingham is that as a city we have been resting on our laurels for too long. We now need another push," he said.

"We do too much navel gazing and we have become too complacent."

However, Sir Digby insisted he was no threat to the elected politicians in the city.

City council leader Mike Whitby is due to meet Sir Digby later this week to discuss improved links.

Relations between the two are said to be frosty, with Coun Whitby (Con Harborne) being accused of vetoing Sir Digby's appointment to lead the proposed £500 million revamp of New Street Station.

The fall-out dates back to when the CBI chief chose a Conservative Party conference fringe meeting to accuse Coun Whitby's administration of dithering over the redevelopment of New Street Station, adding that they should "pee or get off the pot".

Sir Digby said: "If Birmingham wants me to help on a part-time basis, then I am available. But if they do not, then fine. I do not want to cause any trouble and I will get on with my life."