Category: LOCAL POLITICS

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3pm / Reform UK’s Danny Carter takes Pype Hayes away from Birmingham Labour

Danny Carter winning Pype Hayes for Reform UK / Photograph by NIcola Murray

Words by Ed King

Reform UK’s Danny Carter (aka DJ Paris) has taken Pype Hayes Ward for Farage’s party, securing another seat away from Birmingham Labour.

As half of the seats in the Erdington constituency have now been returned, this marks the second scalp for Reform UK – proving the national pollsters right in their predictions that these local elections would see a significant number of seats go their way.

 

Carter secured Pype Hayes Ward for Reform UK with 1073 votes, pushing him leagues ahead of Labour’s Fayaz Khuhro who secured under half that number with only 513 votes.

Elsewhere, Athena Christina Tsouvallaris came in third for Local Conservatives with 331 votes – closely followed by Green Party candidate Julian Skidmore with 309 votes. Umar Al-Haq, standing as an independent, secured on 64 votes.

Speaking to Erdington Local after the results were announced, Danny Cater told: “I am born and bred Erdington, I grew up in Erdington, I went to school in Erdington, I lived in Pype Hayes for 20 years.

He added: “Everyone in our community knows me. The candidate that lost didn’t lose because they were Labour, they lost because the people know me.”

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2:45pm / Councillor Mick Brown retains Gravelly Hill Ward for Labour

Cllr Mick Brown (left) taking a rest backstage at the Utilita Arena after retaining his Gravelly Hill seat for Birmingham Labour / Photograph Ed King

Councillor Mick Brown has officially retained his seat in Gravelly Hill, with Labour’s longstanding local official beating off some fierce competition from the Liberal Democrats and Green Party candidates.

Cllr Brown secured 620 votes, beating Mohammad Amin (Lib Dems, 417 votes) and Imran Khan (Green Party, 360 votes) holding onto his seat with an over 220 vote majority.

Coming in a very close third was Reform UK’s Maise Wilton, winning 344 votes, with the Local Conservatives candidate Julia Mackay securing 123.

Gravelly Hill also saw two independent candidates stand, with neither seemingly riding the predicted wave of independents – with Whaid Aktar securing 168 votes and Asif Mehmood securing just 66 votes.

 

Speaking to Erdington Local after the announcement, and in the light of Labor losses elsewhere in the constituency, Councillor Mick Brown told: “We are going to recharge and then find what the rest of the position is on the council, who has retained the seats, who has lost them and what arrangements are we going to be making in terms of leadership teams within the Labour administration.”

In a message to the Gravelly Hill electorates who voted him back into office, Cllr Brown said: “I want to thank them for their support, and I hope that they all realise that no matter who they actually voted for, that I am here to serve them.”

And to those who didn’t, he added: “It doesn’t matter to me which party you voted for, if you need support on council issues, you can come to me.”

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1:20pm / Reform UK’s Sue Willets takes Perry Common in landslide victory

Sue Willets wins Perry Common for Reform UK / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

As the first handful of results come in, the Erdington constituency has seen its first councillor lost to the predicted rising wave of populism – with Labour’s Jilly Bermingham knocked off her Perry Common perch by Reform UK’s Sue Willets.

As the final votes were counted and returned, Bermingham came in with 487 – nearly half of the 892 votes she secured the win with back in 2022.

Elsewhere on the ballot, Green Party’s Stephanie Boyle came in a relatively close third with 327 votes – followed by Husham Khan (Local Conservatives, 261 votes), Ahmed Ghulam (Independent, 213 votes), and Colin Hill (Liberal Democrats, 105 votes).

Talking to Erdington Local, Green Party candidates Stephanie Boyle was clear she woudl still an active environmental voice in the arae and continue her work on green spaces such as Perry Common Meadows.

But the clear winner was Reform UK’s Sue Willets, who romped home with a staggering 1020 votes.

After the announcement, Willets told Erdington Local: “ I come from a place of my heart, and I want to represent all of the members of the Perry Common ward equally.”

When asked about such a large vote share, she added: “I was [surprise] to be honest with you, I had a feeling that I might win but I didn’t think it would be such a clear margin.”

Willets has vowed her first action in office will be to hold a public surgery and hear directly from her new constituents.

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12:20pm / Counting is underway and results could be starting to come in….

Counting is underway at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

Counting is underway and results could be starting to come in at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham today, as we wait to find out the results of the Birmingham Council elections – and who will be sitting in the 101 seats across all of the city’s 69 political wards.

Big changes are expected on the political landscape both regionally and nationally today, with Reform UK, the Green Party, and independent candidates predicted to win big and gain seats.

On the way into the Arena, Erdington Local saw ‘TikTok lawyer’ Akhmed Yakoob holding court outside with his usual swagger – after backing several of the independent candidates standing in the Erdington constituency, including Asif Mehmood who is hoping to take the Gravelly Hill seat away from Labour’s longstanding Councillor Mick Brown.

At the entrance, Erdington Local also saw Castel Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin – who is also Birmingham Labour’s Chief Whip – suited, booted, and with a serious face underneath his trademark trilby. And no wonder, as most polling is predicting significant losses for Labour both across the city and the country

But the only thing that is certain today is that nothing is certain, with Erdington Local bringing you live updates as the count continues and the results finally come in.

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LOCAL POLITICS INTERVIEW: Sam Richards – standing as an independent candidate in Stockland Green

Sam Richards campaign poster

Words by Nicola Murray

In the UK, a political shift is underway. The tacit two party system has been eroded, with those who were once seen as outside the race now potentially taking pole position.

Many pundits cite the electorate’s growing lack of faith in Westminster’s traditional leading forces, with large numbers of red or blue rosettes being cast aside in favour for more populist politics.

This loss in trust has also given rise to a swarth of independent candidates – campaigning in local elections for their communities without the clamour of a national party falling from grace.

And they’re gaining seats as well as ground – following the 2024 local elections, the Local Government Association Independent Group declared the “ascent of Independents… in the recent local elections is nothing short of breathtaking.”

Sam Richards campaign banner – online

Sam Richards, a local campaigner with no formal political background, is standing as an independent candidate for the Stockland Green ward in the upcoming Council elections – where the full 101 local councillor seats will be contested across Birmingham.

Richards, who lives in Stockland Green, has worked with hundreds of families and young people through her community organisation D1C1 – actively campaigning for youth provision in the area and better family support.

Now she is throwing her hat into the ring against two candidates from every major party, one from the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, and the two sitting councillors – Jane Jones and Amar Khan – who left the Labour Party after being deselected by the National Executive Committee and are, themselves, now standing as independents.

But Richards is resolute, and argues “people, not politics” should shape decision-making at a local level.

Stockland Green sign on Slade Road / Photograph by Ed King

“When the elections came about, I was already in a position of community advocacy and leadership,” she tells, adding that running for local office felt like a “natural extension” to the work she was already doing.

As with D1C2, it was the deprivation in the Stockland Green community that spurred Richards into politics.

“Some of the issues we face in Stockland Green are drug and alcohol abuse,” she tells, “children living below the poverty line, youth crime, unemployment challenges, and general neglect of our area.”

And the key is to get to the heart of the problem early, with Richards “looking at early intervention, and how we can bring more resources, support, and opportunities directly into the community.”

Many argue that being part of a political party would give someone such as Sam Richards a more powerful voice in the Council chamber, as well as a great chance of getting the chance to sit there.

But Richards is clear that her decision to stand as an independent was intentional.

Overflowing bins on Slade Road / Photograph by Ed King

“The only option was to stand as an independent to ensure that politics don’t become a distraction for my core values,” she explains, adding that “not coming in with a set political perspective will help me prioritise the voice of the community.

“When I look at politics from the outside I have seen how policies and political agendas can get in the way.”

The sentiment is rooted in a broader frustration with the current political climate, with many independent candidates standing one a firm and single issue – such as support for Gaza or a subject more directly closer to home.

There’s also the growing disillusionment in the political status quo, and Richards believes that national politics has filtered down to local politics: “I am also finding that there is a lot of distrust at the moment surrounding political parties because there is so much going on at the government level which has left a lot of people very confused and unsure of what to do.”

For Richards, this confusion risks overshadowing urgent local issues.

Stockland Green Primary Care sign / Photograph by Ed King

“We have things to be resolved in our community regardless of the political party in power,” she adds. “That needs to be the priority, not the political agendas.”

This is reflected on the doorstep, with Richards encountering a consistent theme of people switching off from politics altogether.

“I am finding that the political landscape at the moment has deterred a lot of people from wanting to vote,” she tells, whilst encouraging people to believe “there is power in your vote… people need to do their own research into individuals outside of their party affiliations.”

But despite the shift, in both the corridors of power and the minds of those who vote to send people there, standing outside the mainstream party system does come with some practical challenges. Independents lack the built-in support structures and networks that are available to party-backed candidates.

Sam Richards campaign banner – online

Richards is realistic about this and has plans for how she will navigate those lonely waters if elected.

“With two seats available in Stockland Green, I would work with whoever is elected alongside me,” she explains. “I have no alliances, so I can work with anyone to ensure that the voice of the community is heard.”

But whilst Sam Richards is “happy to work with members of political parties”, and is even “advocating for that partnership”, she draws a clear line when it comes to any formal alignment in the case of a Council led by coalition.

“It wouldn’t work for me,” she said, “I am not looking to be affiliated with a party.”

For more on Sam Richards, click here.

Birmingham voters will head to the polling stations on Thursday 7 May to elect local councillors in all the 69 wards throughout the city.

To find out more about all the candidates standing in Stockland Green, visit: www.erdingtonlocal.com/local-politics-meet-the-candidates-in-stockland-green

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LOCAL POLITICS: Campaign for statue of King Charles I at Kingstanding Circle gets support from Council election candidates

Banner image from petition / Image taken from Change.org

Words by Josh Neicho

A campaign to commemorate King Charles I’s reputed visit to Kingstanding during the English Civil War with a major statue has been drumming up support from candidates at the upcoming Council elections.

Kingstanding local Sean Keatley has launched an online petition to ‘Install a statue of King Charles I on Kingstanding Circle’ through the Change.org website – which at the time of writing has 331 verified signatures.

Legend has it that King Charles I reviewed his troops while standing on a neolithic barrow north of what today is Kingstanding, in the run up to the Battle of Edgehill in October 1642.

Keatley’s petition says the story of the troop review “adds character to our community” and “connects us to our country’s rich historical tapestry”.

The proposed statue at the six-ways roundabout would have educational value and build pride and identity, the petition adds.

(L-R) Sean Keatley, Chris Davis from Raise the Colours in Kingstanding / Photography by Josh Neicho

Kingstanding current elected official, Councillor Clifton Welch (Local Conservatives) told Kingstanding/Erdington Local he is “absolutely massively in favour of the principle,” of the Charles I statue – or an alternative proposal of a war memorial after surveying local residents.

“Both ideas are excellent, ” adds Cllr Welch. “There’s a lot of pride from residents; they’ve also been strong supporters of the monarchy. Kingstanding was under Labour for decades and taken for granted for a long time.”

Meanwhile, independent candidate in the ward and veteran Birmingham community and race justice activist Bishop Desmond Jaddoo has also given his approval. “They were shocked when I said it, because they just don’t know me,” Jaddoo says. “Just like I pushed for [the] Windrush stuff, I will push for anything.”

Keatley also claims to have support from Reform’s Deputy Leader Richard Tice, who recently visited Kingstanding in support of local candidates Jex Parkin and John Lambert.

King Charles I commands his forces amid the chaos of the Battle of Naseby / Image from Adobe Stock Images

Sean Keatley is part of the Raise the Colours group in Kingstanding, who have been responsible for installing unauthorised Union Flags and St George’s Cross flags around Kingstanding Circle and across the B44 postcode – garnering mixed responses from local residents and stakeholders.

Growing up locally, Keatley says he has wondered at the absence of a monument to Charles, given the area’s name. The statue would be a worthy replacement, he adds, for the extensive display of flags which are eventually taken down by council workers and anti-flagging campaigners.

Fellow Raise the Colours member, Chris Davis, says: “Having something a lot more permanent would be a lot more fulfilling.”

Birmingham voters will head to the polling stations on Thursday 7 May to elect local councillors in all the 69 wards throughout the city.

To find out who is standing in the Council elections across the Erdington constituency, click here.

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LOCAL POLITICS: Local Conservatives propose “transformation” of Erdington High Street by relocating Birmingham Museums Collection Centre to near Six Ways Island

AI generated design for Birmingham Museum Collection Centre development on Erdington High Street / Image supplied by Birmingham Local Conservatives

Words by Ed King

Birmingham’s Local Conservatives have published an ambitious plan they claim would see the “transformation” of Erdington High Street if they win a majority in the upcoming Council elections on 7 May.

The proposal is to relocate the Birmingham Museum Collections Centre, currently in Nechells, to nearby Six Ways Island, and to open up the storage centre of rare antiquities to the general public as a tourist attraction.

Birmingham Museum Collections Centre houses 80% of Birmingham Museum Trust’s stored collections, featuring everything from exotic animals and old steam engines to ancient sculptures, tools and weapons.

The huge archive, akin to the closing scenes in Raiders of the Lost Ark, totals to ‘around a million items – many offering a real insight into life in Birmingham and the West Midlands over the centuries’, according to the Museum Collection Centre’s website.

AI generated image of byzantine artifacts preserved inside museum / Image from Adobe Stock Images

This drastic development would help “unleash Erdington’s full potential” and encourage outside investment into the area – according to Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden, who is also Leader of the Birmingham Local Conservatives group.

Erdington has a rich history of Birmingham luminaries that helped shape both the county and city, including William Wilberforce, Josiah Mason, Thomas Holte, and Sir Benjamin Stone.

The High Street also houses the two century old St Barnabas Church, a Carnagie built library, and was once the location for globally recognised music venue Mothers – which showcased rock legends such as Black Sabbath, The Who, and Led Zeppelin.

Looking up Erdington High Street from St Barnabas Church to Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King

Cllr Alden added: “The High Street has been neglected for a number of years and what we constantly get on the doorstep are local residents saying they want to see the High Street returned to how it used to be.

“The idea of this plan is to bring in somewhere where people will spend their time – so increasing dwell time – and would help a café/restaurant culture develop on the High Street, as you’d have more people around.”

When quizzed about the potential damage such a large scale development would have on the existing retail community – which is a mix of national brands including Dixons and Peacocks and independent convenience stores and take aways, Cllr Alden was clear about his party’s vision for Erdington High Street.

Sign at the entrance to Erdington High Street by Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King

“The idea of this is those businesses that provide a useful service to the area we would try and relocate elsewhere on the High Street,” told Cllr Alden.

“But frankly, those businesses which are a drain on the local area we would look to be getting rid of as part of this.”

He added: “What we want to see is a step change in transformation, bringing back a High Street that is a vibrant place that people want to take their families and hopefully resolve those long term anti-social behaviour issues.”

The plan to relocate Birmingham Museum Collections Centre was published in a 20 page manifesto outlining how the Local Conservatives group would “clean up” everything from housing to transport across the city, if they took control of the Council after the local elections on 7 May.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in Birmingham City Centre / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Museums Trust

In a section outlining their plans for ‘Culture & Heritage’ across Birmingham, the Local Conservatives list a 22 projects and proposals they would drive forward if elected as Council leaders.

These include supporting St Partrick Day and St George’s Day celebrations across the city, developing an “Armed Forces Community Garden” and “veterans’ village”, and promoting the city’s musical lineage through the global UNESCO heritage sites network.

The document also clarifies the Local Conservatives’ position on the promulgation of Union Flags and St George’s Cross flags, following a series of unauthorised campaigns that have attached the flags to street furniture across the city.

The manifesto states: “British and English flags are a unifying force, celebrating our shared heritage, culture and history. We would fly our national flags and City Coat of Arms from all Council buildings. Where communities would like [we would] install formal displays of our national flags.”

(l-r) Cllr Gareth Moore and Cllr Robert Alden on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

When speaking to Erdington Local, Cllr Alden also highlighted the Local Conservatives plans to increase high street security networks, support Business Improvement Districts, and “to reconvert exempt accommodation back into family homes” across the city.

Councillor Robert Alden is seeking re-election as Erdington Ward’s representative on 7 May – alongside his Conservative running mate Councillor Gareth Moore.

To read the entire ‘Our Plan to Clean Up the City’ manifesto from Birmingham Local Conservatives click here.

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LOCAL POLITICS: Meet the candidates in… Oscott

Candidate name: Alex Hall
Political party: Local Conservatives
Social media link: www.facebook.com/OscottNews

Relationship with Oscott: “I live locally, and am often seen walking my dog locally, when not out campaigning.”
Key campaign issues: “Charlotte and I are campaigning to improve local parks and shopping centres including Kingstanding circle.”

Introduction: “Charlotte and I have been working tirelessly for Oscott for years, with Cllr Darius Sandhu. While other parties only come out the woodwork at election time the Local Conservatives work for you all year round! Attending litter picks, public meetings, helping residents with issues and fighting for investment across Oscott.”


Candidate name: Charlotte Whitehouse
Political party: Local Conservatives
Social media link: www.facebook.com/OscottNews

Relationship with Oscott: “I grew up and live in Oscott. I volunteer to help keep our area clean.”
Key campaign issues: “Alex and my campaigns include demanding potholes are fixed, tackling rise in badly run HMO’s.”

Introduction: “Alex and I have been working tirelessly to keep our area clean. We carry out regular litter picks across the ward as the Local Conservative Intouch team. We oppose Labour’s plans for fortnightly bin collections which will lead to increased fly tipping and litter. Local Conservatives will keep it weekly!”

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Candidate name: Ian Knight
Political party: Green Party
Social media link: www.facebook.com/BrumGreens

Relationship with Oscott: “I grew up near the Circle, and went to school at Kings Rise.”
Key campaign issues: “To build hope and positivity for our community. Resolving the Bin Strike; reducing litter and especially flytipping.”

Introduction: “I had a pet shop in Kingstanding for the last 20 years, delivering pet food in the area. My customers showed what a nice group of people they are. I would like to represent them and try to make their lives better. Their children and young people’s lives too.”

Candidate name: Andrew Stevenson
Political party: Green Party
Social media link: www.facebook.com/BrumGreens

Relationship with Oscott: “I have lived and worked here for five years, raising a young family.”
Key campaign issues: Community cohesion; cost of living; clean streets; better housing.

Introduction: “I was raised to value fairness – what I see now isn’t fair. Some areas of Birmingham get better treatment, while our community is left frustrated. Oscott is full of hard-working families. I’m with you. I’ll fight for cleaner, safer streets, better housing, and real community pride in our area.”

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Candidate name: Jack Brookes
Political party: Standing as an independent candidate
Social media link: www.instagram.com/patriot_jb_uk

Relationship with Oscott: “I have lived in Oscott for seven years and Birmingham for 25 years.”
Key campaign issues: Government waste, crime, bins, parks and small businesses.

Introduction: “I am standing as an Independent because I’m tired of the corrupt party politics, hence why I left Reform. I am the right man, not a party ‘yes man.’ As a patriotic Independent I won’t have a party whip or excuses. I would be a councillor who you could hold to account.”

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Candidate name: Barbara Dring
Political party: Standing as an independent candidate
Social media link: www.facebook.com/barbara.dring

Relationship with Oscott: “I have lived and worked in Oscott all my life and attended school here.”
Key campaign issues: Against all budget cuts, council tax increases, HMO’s, weekly bin collections, green spaces.

Introduction: “I am standing for independent councillor in Oscott as I am not aligned with any party and I empathise that I am no longer a member of the labour party. I continue to stand for the residents of Oscott as I have been doing for the last 22 years.”

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Candidates names: Francis Barnett and Eleanor Douglas
Political party: Labour Party
Social media link: ‘Francis Barnett and Eleanor Douglas for Oscott’ on Facebook

Relationship with Oscott: Francis has lived in Oscott for 15 years, he and Eleanor are now raising their own young family in Oscott.

Introduction: “We are standing to crack down on anti-social behaviour and ensure Oscott is a safe place to live for all. We want families to have great access to services and green spaces.”

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Candidate name: Joshua-John Bunting
Political party: Liberal Democrats
Social media link: www.facebook.com/OscottLibDems

Relationship with Oscott: “I am part of the Street Watch for Oscott and regularly reporting fly-tipping.”
Key campaign issues: Clean streets, anti-social behaviour and crime, road safety, vision for young people, safe streets, potholes.

Introduction: “I am proud to have been working with the local Neighbourhood Police Team, to increase their presence to tackle the anti-social behaviour. I regularly report fly-tipping, as part of the Street Watch for Oscott. Crime has recently increased dramatically. Two main issues are tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping.”


Candidate name: Nora Warnaby
Political party: Liberal Democrats
Social media link: www.facebook.com/OscottLibDems

Relationship with Oscott: “For years have worked as a health visitor and been a local campaigner across Birmingham.”
Key campaign issues: Clean and safe streets, healthy environment, child poverty, potholes, road safety, anti-social behaviour and crime.

Introduction: “I have been supporting people all my life, working in community health, as I was a health visitor, taught students, and have been a local campaigner across the city for years. We deserve a healthy, clean environment, not rats in the streets due to bins not emptied and lacking services.”

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Candidate name: Graham Green
Political party: Reform UK
Social media link: www.facebook.com/reformukerdington

Key campaign issues: Council failure, common sense, working people, local representation, change in Oscott.

Introduction: “I grew up in the ward and have lived here for most of my life. I have represented Oscott previously and remain committed to the area. Labour has got this city in a mess, and that impacts us in Oscott. For far too long, the views of ordinary working people have been ignored by those running Birmingham City Council.”

Candidate name: Martin McAuley
Political party: Reform UK
Social media link: www.facebook.com/reformukerdington

Key campaign issues: Local representation, community voice, ignored issues, resident priorities, commitment to Oscott.

Introduction: “Having spent my entire life in this ward, I am fully involved with the Oscott community. I live here, I went to school here, and I work locally. This gives me genuine insight into what matters to residents. I am committed to supporting our community and ensuring that residents’ voices are heard.”

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Also standing in Oscott…

Sajida Khan (Independent).

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LOCAL POLITICS: Meet the candidates in… Kingstanding

Candidate name: Alex Richards
Political party: Local Conservatives
Social media link: www.facebook.com/KingstandingConservatives

Relationship with ward: “Kingstanding born and bred; active within the local church and involved in wider community activities.”
Key campaign issues: Cleaner streets, potholes, full transparency on £20m Pride in Place funding, save Burford Playing Fields.

Introduction: “As a lifelong resident, I’m standing to give Kingstanding the strong, local representation it deserves because I care deeply about our community and its future. I believe in action, not just words – getting things done for residents all year round, not just turning up at election time.”

Candidate name: Clifton Welch
Political party: Local Conservatives
Social media link: www.facebook.com/KingstandingConservatives

Relationship with ward: “I am the Councillor for Kingstanding.”
Key campaign issues: Saving Burford Park, ensuring weekly waste collections continue, and fixing potholes.

Introduction: “I love the British flags that are flying around Kingstanding. I love the history, culture and values these flags represent and I’m standing to ensure these values are maintained. Birmingham is desperate to get rid of this Labour Council and only Conservatives campaign all year long not just at elections.”

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Candidate name: Chris Lee
Political party: Green Party
Social media link: www.facebook.com/BrumGreens

Relationship with ward: “I’ve lived in the area for over 30 years and have valued connections with Kingstanding.”
Key campaign issues: Good quality jobs, anti-social behaviour, community cohesion.

Introduction: “Kingstanding has a proud history of hard work for the car industry. I want to see the return of good quality manufacturing jobs for local people. Worthwhile employment and effective local leadership will reduce anti-social behaviour. I will also work for positive cohesion initiatives to increase trust between communities.”

Candidate name: Jerry Orme
Political party: Green Party
Social media link: www.facebook.com/BrumGreens

Relationship with ward: “I lived in Kingstanding for 17 years growing up.”
Key campaign issues: Community cohesion; better quality affordable homes; accessible community spaces.

Introduction: “Kingstanding is strongest when people feel secure and proud of where they live. Residents deserve better quality affordable homes, greater employment opportunities, and easier access to community activities and spaces. I will fight to improve social housing, create welcoming community spaces, and will listen to what matters most to residents.”

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Candidate name: Desmond Jaddoo
Political party: Standing as an independent candidate
Social media link: www.facebook.com/desjaddoo

Relationship with ward: “I have lived in Kingstanding for nearly 30 years and my children grew up there also.”
Key campaign issues: Focused on tackling crime, improving housing, boosting youth opportunities, restoring services, and strengthening community unity.

Introduction: “I am running for councillor in Kingstanding out of a strong commitment to the community. I believe the area has declined and must move forward again. Emphasising unity and connection, I aim to provide strong leadership that represents and supports all communities within Kingstanding effectively. Let’s put the KING back into Kingstanding.”

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Candidate name: Paul Lilly
Political party: Labour Party
Social media link: ‘Paul Lilly & Anita Ward Candidates for Kingstanding’ on Facebook

Relationship with ward: “I have lived in the Kingstanding area all my life.”

Introduction: “I’ve lived in the Kingstanding all my life and spent years working with local community groups – supporting initiatives like litter picking and taking part in neighbourhood projects. I’m committed to ensuring the needs of all Kingstanding are heard and represented. I want more opportunities for young people, and to address concerns over anti-social behaviour. Cleaner, Safer, Greener.”

Candidate name: Anita Ward
Political party: Labour Party
Social media link: ‘Paul Lilly & Anita Ward Candidates for Kingstanding’ on Facebook

Relationship with ward: “I used to live in the Ward, my family still do. I work for a charity supporting families in Kingstanding.”

Introduction: “My family are part of this community, and my work supporting local families has shown me the issues in the area. I care passionately about children’s education and want to help the area thrive, using my experience and commitment to make a difference to local people and to Kingstanding.”

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Candidate name: Asad Mehmood
Political party: Liberal Democrats
Social media link: www.facebook.com/SCELibDems

Relationship with ward: “For years have been doing community work with the Liberal Democrats across the city.”
Key campaign issues: Cleaning up the city, safer streets and roads, child poverty, potholes, anti-social behaviour and crime.

Introduction: “I want to listen to the residents and act on their needs. My aim is to make Kingstanding cleaner and safer, to tackle fly-tipping, poor waste collection, dangerous driving, improve council services, address child-poverty and high unemployment, and to fix the potholes and restore pride in our city.”

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Candidate name: John Lambert
Political party: Reform UK
Social media link: www.facebook.com/reformukerdington

Key campaign issues: Empty shops, neglected streets, civic decline, local pride, council failure.

Introduction: “I’m proud to be a Reform UK candidate for Kingstanding. Kingstanding has been taken for granted for years. Empty shops, neglected streets, and problems left to drift are the result of Birmingham Council’s failure. Pride in place should be a duty, not a slogan used to disguise the failures of the old parties.”


Candidate name: Jex Parkin
Political party: Reform UK
Social media link: www.facebook.com/reformukerdington

Key campaign issues: Potholes, rubbish, crime, antisocial behaviour, political neglect.

Introduction: “I’m standing for Reform UK because Kingstanding deserves better. We shouldn’t have to put up with roads full of dangerous potholes and streets covered in rubbish, with crime and antisocial behaviour leaving residents feeling unsafe. Decades of neglect by politicians who make big promises but fail to deliver have left Kingstanding behind. It’s time for something new. It’s time for Reform.”

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Also standing in Kingstanding…

James Chandler (Liberal Democrats), Des Hughes (Independent).

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LOCAL POLITICS: Meet the candidates in… Perry Common

Candidate name: Husham Khan
Political party: Local Conservatives
Social media link: www.facebook.com/PerryCommonWardNews

Relationship with Perry Common: “For last year I’ve worked with Robert Alden and Clifton Welch to help clean-up Birmingham.”
Key campaign issues: Clean up our streets, protect green spaces and keep parks free for residents to visit.

Introduction: “Local Conservatives have committed to protect our much-needed green spaces like Short Heath Playing Fields from being built on. Only Local Conservatives will scrap Labour’s proposed car parking charges in parks like Sutton Park. Only Local Conservatives have committed to keep it weekly, and scrap Labour’s planned fortnightly bin collections.”

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Candidate name: Stephanie Boyle
Political party: Green Party
Social media link: www.facebook.com/BrumGreens

Relationship with Perry Common: “I’ve lived in Perry Common since 2009 and love the community here.”
Key campaign issues: Good quality, affordable housing; accessible green spaces; a safe, vibrant and resilient community.

Introduction: “I believe that affordable, quality housing is human right not a business. I will campaign so only top-quality landlords are allowed to let out their properties. I will work to improve accessibility and engagement with our green spaces, for greater pride in this place and celebrations of all our communities.”

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Candidate name: Ghulam Ahmed
Political party: Standing as an independent candidate
Social media link: www.tiktok.com/@ahmed4perry.common

Relationship with Perry Common: “I live locally and work across Perry Common delivering housing improvements and supporting residents.”
Key campaign issues: Park facilities, poor housing, anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, youth services, safer streets, local accountability, cleanliness.

Introduction: “I am standing as an independent candidate for Perry Common to put residents before party politics. Our area lacks proper youth facilities, safe parks and consistent services. I will push for better housing, cleaner streets and real accountability, focusing on practical solutions that deliver visible change for residents.”

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Candidate name: Jilly Bermingham
Political party: Labour Party
Social media link: www.facebook.com/Jilly4PerryCommon

Relationship with Perry Common: “I have always lived in Erdington which is why I know and understand Perry Common.”
Key campaign issues: Fly tipping, bad drivers, and anti-social behaviour.

Introduction: “I’m standing for re-election in Perry Common and hope that residents recognise the work I have done in the last four years to help with issues and give a voice to people who have nowhere left to go. There may be problems in Perry Common, but I will always try to resolve them.”

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Candidate name: Sue Willetts
Political party: Reform UK
Social media link: www.facebook.com/reformukerdington

Key campaign issues: Potholes, fly-tipping, bin collections, GP access, safer streets, stopping HMOs.

Introduction: “As a local mother and carer, I’m running for council to stand up for our community. I’ll fight to get potholes fixed, stop fly-tipping, and get bins emptied. I will push for better GP access, cleaner and safer streets, and action to prevent HMOs from destroying our community. Please lend me your vote on 7 May. Only Reform UK will put you first.”

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Also standing in Perry Common…

Colin Hill (Liberal Democrats).