Words by Ed King
Popular Councillors Robert Alden and Gareth Moore have retained their Erdington Ward seats for the Local Conservatives, after the forecasted threat of Reform did not transpire in the heart of Erdington.
Taking a comfortable lead as the final votes were counted, the longstanding Erdington representatives managed to fight off the wave of wins from Nigel Farage’s party – who have taken the majority of seats across the constituency.
Both well known in the local area, their campaign was fought firmly on the ground – campaigning on the streets where they live and work, with local people often offering support even against a sullied backdrop of national politics.
Likewise, elsewhere in Erdington, Cllr Mick Brown (Gravelly Hill) and Cllr Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale) adopted a strong local campaign – currying hyper local electoral favour as the Birmingham Labour brand tanked across the city.
Speaking to Erdington Local after the announcement, Cllr Robert Alden told: “We (Robert Alden and Gareth Moore) both try and be in the local area, working with local people because for us, that’s what being a councillor is.
“We are so proud and honoured to represent the people of Erdington. We are so grateful them for putting their faith in us to continue doing that in the next 4 years.”
When asked if he was relived to have beaten off the rise of Reform that has dominated results across both the Erdington constituency and the wider city, Cllr Alden added: “I feel incredibly glad that the people of Erdington have put their faith in me and Gareth because we are incredibly proud to represent Erdington and we are very grateful to have had their faith again.”
