Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.
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Words by Councillor Jex Parkin and Councillor John Lambert
The Pride in Place Board is looking for Kingstanding residents to help shape how £20 million is invested in the area over the next decade. £2m a year.
That is a serious opportunity. It should restore pride, improve local spaces, support community life, back young people, strengthen local enterprise and make Kingstanding feel cared for again.
Paulette Hamilton MP has promoted this programme as resident led. On that, we agree. If Pride in Place means anything, it must be shaped by people who know the area, use the local shops, raise families here and understand what Kingstanding has been missing.
But local democracy matters too. Kingstanding elected two Reform UK councillors. Not one. Two. We do not take that for granted.
Councillors do not own seats; we borrow them from the public. In four years, voters may choose differently. That is democracy. That is why we are concerned by Paulette Hamilton MP’s view that only one Reform councillor should sit on the Pride in Place Board.
This is not about us. It is about the principle. If Kingstanding elects two ward councillors, both should be able to represent residents. If the politics change in four years, the same principle should apply to whoever Kingstanding chooses next.
A board shaping long-term investment should be built around fair representation, scrutiny and accountability, not political convenience.
So, if you care about Kingstanding, apply. Get involved. Ask questions. Challenge assumptions.
This process must be transparent, local and resident-led. Above all, it must deliver for Kingstanding.
Get in touch with us today: John.lambert@birmingham.gov.uk or jex.parkin@birmingham.gov.uk
For more from Reform UK in Kingstanding and across Erdington visit www.facebook.com/reformukerdington
