TRIGGER WARNING: Features a Comment of an Ablest Nature

Last Friday, I formally confirmed with the below email, of my intention to Tender my Resignation as Co-Chair of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority, effective as of 16:12PM BST on Friday September 16th 2022.

Not only was it done as I felt that hitting 25 at that exact minute on that day in 6 weeks time, being a natural point to end my journey in Youth Representation, but as a result of a simply unacceptable comment, BY A FELLOW YCA MEMBER in a WhatsApp conversation.

It came whilst representing the YCA, within what was overwise a successful meeting of the growing National Young Combined Authority with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street on the evening on Monday July 18th.

The comment, made after I was introduced in the meeting stated "I didn't realise Kash was here until he orientated his face in a peculiar motion."

I Immediately felt discomforted after the comment was made, knowing that myself being Autistic means not looking at people or things is a very natural part of my bodily function.

And in the time since - which has so far NOT had a conclusion to an Investigation being held by the WMCA and the YCA's Delivery Partner in Aspire4U, I have felt a real sense of being unwelcomed - within a body which I was one of it's first 33 members in September 2019 and which West Midlands Combined Authority Staff have expressed their appreciation for the contribution which I've made.

The person in question (who I won't name) is also a Member of The Labour Party and of The Co-operative Party, of which I intend to report them to in due course.

I do however want to express my wholehearted gratitude to other YCA Members for their support in confidence and of whom have been terrific in their work across the last 9 months.

I will give an update when I am able too and for full transparency, do see below the email which I sent on Thursday July 28th announcing my intention to end my time on the YCA Board:

"Dear all (including Mr Mayor),

Through this email and via a video at https://www.facebook.com/KashmireHawker/videos/1506224223151158/ - I announce my intention to Resign as Co-Chair and Board Member of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority, at 16:12pm on Friday September 16th: which will mark 25 years to the minute since my birth.

I've done so as that day is not just my 25th birthday, but I feel that after 3 excellent years involved, that then is a natural time to move on and progress in both the world of representation and advocacy and that I can put behind a bit disappointing year a Co-Chair behind me, being down to bad communication and lack of engagement in setting meeting items, as well hitting the near end of my youth too.

I do however express my full and whole hearted thanks to colleagues from the CA, Beatfreeks originally and currently Aspire4U; for enabling me since the start to be as involved in such a brilliant height of strategic democracy, as well as develop as an individual and and be part of taking our region forward.

I will do what I can in the coming weeks to make sure that the next Co-Chair's (if the present structure remains) and all members, get the best possible support from me as well continue to be as involved in things such as Levelling Up, WM2041 and much more.

It's been a true pleasure to do my bit and immensely look forward; in many varying ways, in helping to make this region's future a truly special one.

Enjoy the Opening Ceremony this evening and here's to bowing out in style!"