Tag: Erdington

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NEWS: Council hold public engagement sessions about household waste and recycling collections in Erdington Town Centre – Thursday 16 July

Words by Ed King

Birmingham City Council’s Public Participation Team will be in Erdington Town Centre on Thursday 16 July, inviting members of the public to talk to them about the upcoming changes to household waste and recycling collections.

The team will be situated on the pedestrianised area of Erdington High Street, by the wooden Community & Creative Hub in between B&M and Wilton Market, from 10am to 1pm.

Additional seating and cover will be provided by Erdington BID, allowing more people to have a chance to engage.

The Council team will then move over to Erdington Leisure Centre, setting up an information stand inside the sports facility by the reception, for an afternoon engagement session from 2pm to 5pm.

Both sessions are completely free to attended and require no advance booking, with members of the public attending seen on a first come first served basis.

Uncollected rubbish outside residentail properties in Erdington Town Centre / Photograph by Ed King

Please note, the Public Participation Team will be able to answer questions people may have about the recently announced changes to waste and recycling collections – but are not responsible for any policy making, legislation, or disputes over working practices, employment status, and pay.

They are also looking for feedback from members of the public about the upcoming changes to waste and recycling services, which they state could “directly shape” how the services are to be delivered.

A spokesperson for the Public Participation Team told Erdington Local: “We are really pleased to have the opportunity to speak with Erdington residents directly about the upcoming changes to their waste and recycling services.

“Our goal is to help everyone understand the new weekly food waste collections and the return of recycling services, which now include additional recycling capacity.”

Birmingham Town House as seen behind Heras fencing / Photograph by Ed King

They added: “We are here to support the community with any questions they might have, and importantly, to gather their feedback. Listening to Erdington residents will directly shape how we communicate and roll out these services across the rest of the city.”

Birmingham City Council has been in an ongoing dispute with Waste Management works and the unions that represent them, especially Unite the Union, since January 2025.

Although the issue – reportedly about equal pay, job descriptions, and a number of potential redundancies – persists from previous Labour administrations and goes back to as far as 2017, when John Clancy was then leader of the Council.

(Click here to read Erdington Local’s feature ‘What a load of rubbish – a look at the history of Birmingham’s battle over bin bags’ – first published in April 2025.)

Following the recent Local Election in May – where the Birmingham Labour Group lost control of the Council – a minority coalition was formed between the Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and some independent councillors, with Cllr Roger Harmer (Lib Dems) voted in a Council Leader.

Shortly after taking office a new schedule of collections was announced, with many members of opposing parties complaining the was inadequate consultation and the new policy was forced through.

Birmingham City Council is now rolling out a citywide engagement programme, talking to members of the public about the proposed changes to their household waste and recycling service.

For more on waste and recycling services across Birmingham, visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20009/waste_and_recycling

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OPINION: Hope on the horizon with Erdington’s new Police Sergeant Millard – a message from Erdington’s Town Centre Manager

Erdington Town Centre sign by Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King

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 Ed King – Erdington Town Centre Manager

After taking over as Town Centre Manager in March 2025, I spent the first six months meeting with the local Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) and officers from Operation Fearless.

It was an exciting time, with high profile policing in Erdington Town Centre and extensive media coverage about the impact the near million-pound police initiative was making.

And it was working, too.

Operation Fearless team on Erdington High Street during initial launch – Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

But as a rising balloon gets higher in the sky, the easier it can burst. And with a loud pop and dull thud, once the team left Erdington all the good work achieved by Operation Fearless came hurtling back to earth. £880,000 to disrupt the problem. Or move it from Iceland to Borsch Electrical.

So, excitement turned to frustration. Then anger, as I watched revolving door sergeants and inspectors leave no visible strategy, or police officers, on the ground. And for the next six months I had more meetings, and more frustration, mostly ending in the words: “…just do your job.”

Now I don’t know how to run a police force as much as I know how to fly a plane, which (you should know before taking your seat) I don’t. At all. We’d crash before take off.

(l-r) Street Pastor talking to Designated Nieghbourhood Officer on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

But what I meant was the answer – to me, and to the entire retail, consumer, and residential community in Erdington Town Centre – was simple. Regular, physical, uniformed, and active police presence on Erdington High Street.

Building a network and building trust. Doing their job. Or rather, being left alone, and in place, to do their job continuously. Simple.

And whilst I don’t know how many annual salaries the cost of Operation Fearless could have paid for, I do know without an effective handover to the NPT it counted for nothing.

Sergeant Millard (far left) with members of Erdington BID and local stall holders at Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska

I also know, have met, and have seen doing their job, we have some excellent officers working the Erdington patch. The problem is they’re seldom left there for long, and after a list of false starts and promises from those above them you start to switch off.

Then, after the second sergeant in under a year had signed up and signed off, I got a call from Detective Chief Inspector Askew – a copper’s copper who led Operation Fearless, and one of the only boys in blue I still allowed myself to trust.

“There’s a new sergeant coming to Erdington… give her a chance, you’ll like her. She gets the job done.”

So, I did. And DCI Askew was right. She was new and her approach was refreshing, and it could work too. Click here to meet her for yourself, Sergeant Claire Millard.

Now all West Midlands Police need to do is their job and support her.

For more from Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington

Erdington BID is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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OPINION: Councillor Jex Parkin and Councillor John Lambert – Kingstanding, Reform UK

Reform UK local councillors and candidates, campaigning in Kingstanding ahead of the May ’26 Local Elections / Photograph supplied by Reform UK Birmingham

Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.

Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

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

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OPINION: Councillor Ray Goodwin – Castle Vale, Labour

Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour Group

Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.

Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin

There is much to discuss this month, and I know many residents share my concerns about the rise in crime and anti-social behaviour across Castle Vale. In particular, the increasing number of illegal e-bikes and off-road bikes being ridden around the estate is causing real concern.

These vehicles pose a danger to pedestrians and other road users and, sadly, a young man has recently been injured. My thoughts are with him and his family, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.

Residents are rightly worried about the impact this behaviour is having on our community. No one should feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood, and we all have a responsibility to ensure Castle Vale remains a safe and welcoming place to live.

West Midlands Police must do more to address the issue, and I will be holding a Crime and Community Safety meeting to seek answers and discuss what further action can be taken.

It is important that residents’ voices are heard, and I will continue to press for stronger action and support measures where they are needed.

On a more positive note, it is great to see that all of the parks across the estate have now been completed. These improvements provide welcoming spaces for families, children and residents of all ages to enjoy.

Access to quality green spaces plays an important role in encouraging healthy lifestyles and bringing communities together.

For more on Councillor Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

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OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour Group

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

I have lived in our area for nearly 40 years. I raised my children here. This is not just the constituency I represent; it is my home. So when our community is threatened, I fight back with everything I have.

Over the years, residents have rightly raised concerns about the spread of HMOs. That is why I have made it my mission to stand with you and challenge inappropriate developments.

My record speaks for itself. Time and again, we have stopped HMO applications across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott, including a recent victory in Castle Vale.

Now, new HMO proposals are becoming increasingly rare. That is down to all of us. Residents who refuse to stay silent and an MP who refuses to back down.

But I am increasingly concerned about the growing influx of exempt accommodation, which is often being used as a Plan B when an HMO application has been refused. Landlords can lease properties to supported accommodation providers, who can then house a range of unrelated occupants, including people released from prison, without being subject to the same planning controls.

I have therefore written to the Housing Minister demanding an urgent update on plans to close this gap. I have also met with a fellow Birmingham MP to build a cross city alliance to tackle poorly managed exempt accommodation head on.

Too often, when one loophole is closed, another opens. But I want residents to know that I am watching this issue very closely.

For more on Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington visit www.paulettehamilton.org

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.

Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

 

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NEWS: Spring into Summer Festival returns ‘the ring’ on Witton Lodge Road – Saturday 13 June

Words by Ed King

Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) are inviting local residents and families to Spring into Summer, as their annual community festival returns to Perry Common on Saturday 13 June.

Held between 12noon and 3pm on ‘the ring’ – the municipal circular parkland on Witton Lodge Road – the community event is free to enter, with some activities charged at only £1.

Full of family friendly fun, the summer festival will host a range of children’s games and activities – including a super slide and a bouncy castle.

Super slide at previous Spring into Summer Festival / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Special ‘learn to ride’ sessions will also be held on the paths within the parkland, teaching young people how to cycle and encouraging them to find their feet – on two wheels.

Young David Attenbououghs and Jane Goodalls will also have the chance to get up close to nature and explore the world of ‘Mini Beasts’ in the ‘Bug and Insect Corner’ – introducing children to the natural world that crawls around under their feet.

Stalls at previous Spring into Summer Festival / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Local services will also be present, offering advice and guidance to local residents – alongside a chance to explore a real life fire engine and police vehicle with members of the local police and fire service also engaging with public at the event.

Held every year, the Spring into Summer Festival is a family favourite on the Perry Common calendar – attended by hundreds of people from across the local area and beyond.

Organised by WLCA, who run the neighbouring Perry Common Community Hall, the annual event is part of a year round programme of events and support services from the Perry Common based community and housing association.

Local crafts at previous Spring into Summer Festival / Photograph supplied by WLCA

Paul Tse, Flourishing Communities Development Officer at WLCA, told: “Spring into Summer has become one of our community’s best loved traditions so it’s a great pleasure for us to be able to bring it back again for people to enjoy.

“It brings people together in a way which celebrates the wonderful community spirit we have here in Perry Common.”

He added: “As always, we are thankful for the support and hard work of our fantastic partners, St Martin’s Church, The Friends of Witton Lakes, Urban Devotion Birmingham and The Net Pentecostal Church, for helping to put the event together.”

For more on WLCA and links to their wider programme of events and services visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

 

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NEWS: Head of Local Lib Dem group Roger Harmer voted in as Leader of Birmingham City Council

Birmingham Council House / Photograph by Ed King

Words by Ed King

The head of the of the Birmingham Liberal Democrats group, Cllr Roger Harmer (Acocks Green), was voted in as Leader of Birmingham City Council at a Full Council meeting yesterday.

Convening in the Council chamber at 6pm on 5 June, all 101 councillors from across the city were invited to attend and vote for the individual they wanted to take up the top job – which brings with it a special Responsibility Allowance of £56,579 on top of the Basic Allowance granted to all councillors of £19,952.

The vote for Council leader was called after no party managed to secure a majority in the recent Local Elections held in May 2026, with no majority coalition subsequently formed.

Official prepare to vote for city leader in Birmingham Council Chamber / Photograph by Ed King

Cllr Harmer was nominated by Birmingham Green Party leader, Cllr Julien Pritchard (Druids Heath & Monyhull), as part of a minority coalition between the two parties and independent councillors from the Better Birmingham Independent Group.

Also nominated, by members of their own parties, were the leader of the Birmingham Local Conservatives Cllr Robert Alden (Erdington) and the leader of the Birmingham Reform UK group Cllr Jex Parkin (Kingstanding).

Following the nominations, a 20 minute recess was taken before the three candidates were allowed five minutes to address the chamber and deliver a speech as to why they would be right person to form a Cabinet and lead the city’s elected officials.

Cllr Roger Harmer addresses chamber ahead of vote for city leader / Photograph by Ed King

Speaking in the order they were nominated, Cllr Harmer was the first to address the chamber, presenting a “coalition built on partnership” and asking those present to allow him to establish a Cabinet that would “put right the failures of the past” – seemingly referring to the 14 year long Labour run administration which ended with the city effectively declaring bankruptcy and an unresolved bin strike.

Addressing the city’s elected official next was Cllr Robert Alden, who began by declaring Birmingham “the greatest city in the world” before reminding the room and those hoping to govern that “just blaming the failures of the last 14 years will not be accepted” by the city’s residents.

Cllr Robert Alden addresses chamber ahead of vote for city leader / Photograph by Ed King

Cllr Alden further warned against the “frankly geographical [political] spilt across the city” following the recently Council elections, which saw concentrations of elected councillor from both political parties and independents in certain areas of Birmingham.

“None of us have a majority,” added Cllr Alden, “and no one over the next four years [until the next Council elections] should forget that.”

Cllr Alden’s speech received applause from across the Birmingham Council Chamber.

Last to address the room was the recently appointed head of Birmingham’s Reform UK group, Cllr Jex Parkin, who leads the lion’s share of Birmingham’s elected officials – overseeing 23 councillors, four more than Birmingham’s Green Party which sits as the second political group in the city.

Cllr Jex Park sits with Birmingham Reform councillors in Birmingham Council Chamber ahead of vote for city leader / Photograph by Ed King

After describing how Birmingham is still “deciding how we interpret on of the most significant results”, which also saw the Birmingham Labour Party lose 48 councillors, Cllr Parkin called for “co-operation across all political boarders” and warned against a “chaotic coalition of musical chairs.”

Leader of both the largest and newest political party in the city, Cllr Parkin closed his argument by listing the attributes that Birmingham Reform councillors could bring to their potential governorship of the city, and declaring “life experience beats political experience each and every time.”

Councillors present were then asked to voice their votes for the Council Leader, a process which had been postponed after the previous Full Council meeting in May ran out of time due to the inauguration of the new Lord Mayor Zaker Choudhry.

After the results were counted, Cllr Roger Harmer won with a clear majority of 40 votes – against 19 votes for Cllr Robert Alden and 18 votes for Cllr Jex Parkin.

Birmingham City Council House, as viewed behind Heras fencing / Photgraph by Ed King

Analysis of the results showed that the Liberal Democrats and Green Party has used their party whips effectively, retaining support from all their elected officials – alongside those from the Better Birmingham Independent Group.

The Birmingham Local Conservatives group also received votes from all its 16 councillors, alongside additional support from independents Cllr Amar Khan (Stockland Green) and Rinkal Shergill (Holyhead).

Birmingham’s Reform UK party however only received 18 votes from its body of 23 councillors, with their recently elected Kingstanding Councillor Graham Green absent from the meeting.

Of the last two remaining Labour councillors in the Erdington constituency, Cllr Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale) abstained and Cllr Mick Brown (Gravelly Hill) was absent.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also received one vote, although it was not officially counted in the final results.

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NEWS: Free guided tours of Elderflower Grange care home on Orphanage Road in ‘Open weekend’ on 6 and 7 June

Front of Elderflower Grange care home on Orphanage Road / Image suppiled by Care UK

Words by Ed King

Elderflower Care Home are inviting families and potential residents to have a first look at their new facility on Orphanage Road in a special ‘Open weekend’ this weekend.

Guided tours of the grounds and facilities will be held between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, with no obligations or costs attached.

Visiting members of the public also invited to join enjoy complimentary refreshments during their tour, including freshly baked cakes by Elderflower’s own chef.

Click here to make a booking to view the facility over the ‘Open weekend’, or contact Elderflower Grange directly by calling (0121) 756 8225 or emailing: rachel.mackay@careuk.com

Landscaped gardens at Elderflower Grange care home on Orphanage Road / Image suppiled by Care UK

Recently opened, the new 77 bedroom care home sits amongst landscaped surroundings and has its own onsite accessible bar, restaurant, cinema room, hair salon, multi faith room, music room, and a special reminiscence room.

Operated by the award winning Care UK, Elderflower Grange is the newest facility in the region from the longstanding care home provider – which also operates Bishop’s Manor and Mercia Grange in neighbouring Sutton Coldfield, both boasting a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

A spokesperson for Elderflower Care Home told: “Elderflower Grange is a brand new, purpose-built care home in Erdington. Our dedicated and experienced team will provide a full range of care services with the flexibility to meet every need.”

Cafe at Elderflower Grange care home on Orphanage Road / Image suppiled by Care UK

They added: “We pride ourselves on the transparency of our care quality and fee information – ensuring you can trust us to care from that very first step.”

Situated at 86 Orphanage Rd, Erdington, Elderflower Care Home offers residential care for over 65s – alongside extra special care for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

The facility also offers respite and convalescence care, for short term stays and supporting people coming out of hospital, as well as palliative and end of life care.

Lounge area at Elderflower Grange care home on Orphanage Road / Image suppiled by Care UK

Elderflower Care Home is operated by Care UK, which started out as Anglia Secure Homes in 1982 and changed its name to Care UK in 1994. One of the largest housing and residential care providers in the country, Care UK run over 160 care home across the UK – including

In 2025, Care UK was recognised by winning over 30 industry awards both nationally and regionally, including ‘Care Home Group (Large)’ at the 2025 National Care Awards for the second year running.

Landscaped gardens at Elderflower Grange care home on Orphanage Road / Image suppiled by Care UK

The organisation was also the winner of both the Nursing Times and Caring UK awards in 2023, and was recognised by the Care Home Awards ‘gold winner’ in their ‘Outstanding Larger Group Care Provider’ category.

Elderflower Grange will further be celebrating their official launch event on Thursday 2 July, with local legend and Aston Villa football star Tony Morely as the event’s special guest.

To make a booking to view Elderflower Care Home, or for more information on the facility, visit www.careuk.com/care-homes/elderflower-grange-erdrington or call the facility directly on (0121) 756 8225.

 

 

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NEWS: Residents at Phoenix Court on Castle Vale call for extra security after tenant charged with firearm and weapon offences

Outside of Phoenix Court, showing secured entrance on Yatesbury Avenue (image taken from Google Maps)

Words by Ed King

Residents at Phoenix Court on Yatesbury Avenue, Castle Vale, have started a petition calling for extra security in their building – following concerns regarding a tenant who has been charged with firearm and weapon related offences, and who is currently registered as living in the over 55’s housing complex.

The tenant in question is being processed through the Birmingham courts for a list of offences relating to threatening behaviour, firearms and weapons.

According to the court listing, they are facing the following charges: threat to damage / destroy property, [possession of] a firearm without a certificate, [possession of] an offensive weapon in [a] private place.

It is further believed that threats to endanger life were made by the tenant towards at least one staff member at Phoenix Court.

Sign outside Birmingham Crown Court (Photograph by Ed King)

As part of their initial bail conditions, the tenant facing the charges was reportedly blocked from entering municipal areas at Phoenix Court or entering the building unsupervised.

However, according to other residents at Phoenix Court the problem tenant has been tailgating people entering the housing complex and bypassing the front door security locks.

After raising concerns over safety at a recent meeting with the estate management team, worried residents are now circulating a petition asking The Pioneer Group, who own and operate Phoenix Court, to “arrange for a security person in the front entrance… until [the tenant is] incarcerated or evicted from [their] flat.”

Police tape cordoning off road (photograph by Ed King)

The tenant identified in the petition has previously been at the centre of various disturbances, including a dramatic armed police response in June 2022 after it was believed they then too had a firearm – where other Phoenix Court residents were held under “siege” whilst the police cordoned off the housing complex and made their arrest.

One resident told Castle Vale Local: “After that siege, four years ago, [they] shouldn’t have been allowed back in here – a block full of vulnerable people.”

They added: “You don’t know what [they] can be capable of, [they] threatened to blow [a staff member] in [their] car.”

British armed police officer (Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images)

Owned and managed by The Pioneer Group, Castle Vale’s largest social Housing landlord, Phoenix Court houses around 60 elderly residents – encouraging independent living and community, within a supported accommodation setting.

The Route2Wellbeing website describes Phoenix Court as “a personalised approach supporting the wellbeing of older people by promoting independence through the development of friendships, reducing isolation and offering a wide range of activities and opportunities that promote wellbeing and increased quality of life.”

After receiving the petition from Phoenix Court residents, on Friday 22 May a spokesperson for The Pioneer Group told Castle Vale Local: “We are aware of an ongoing issue involving a tenant at Phoenix Court.

“We are working closely with tenants to ensure the building remains safe and are taking the appropriate course of action to address the situation.”

They added: “As an added reassurance, we have arranged for a security guard to be present during the evenings over [the Bank Holiday] weekend. We also have CCTV in place both internally and externally, with our teams actively monitoring and reporting any sightings.

“We have been in contact with the police, who have reassured us that they will carry out additional internal patrols.”

Residents confirmed a security guard was present over the Bank Holiday Weekend, but at the time of writing has not returned to the front entrance of Phoenix Court.

Castle Vale Local has further reached out to The Pioneer Group about potential cost implications over additional security and the housing provider’s eviction policies and process.

The tenant facing charges is scheduled to reappear in court in June.

Castle Vale Local will continue to follow the story.

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LOCAL POLITICS: “We need change” – Erdington MP calls for Keir Starmer to step down following Labour’s Council election losses

Paulette Hamilton and Keir Starmer in Erdington during by-election camapign in 2022 / Photograph from Erdington Local archives

Words by Ed King

Erdington’s MP Paulette Hamilton has called for Sir Keir Starmer to step down as Labour Party leader, telling the BBC’s Sarah Montague “we need change” in an interview on Radio 4’s World at One programme.

Appearing on Monday 11 May, a few days after Labour suffered drastic loses in the recent Council elections – and where Reform UK and independent candidates took eight of the twelve local seats across the Erdington constituency – Ms Hamilton told the broadcaster there was a need for an “orderly transition” of power at the top of the Labour Party.

“At the moment, people are burying their heads in the sand,” added Ms Hamilton, before describing how over the last year and a half “I have seen where we are, people are just not listening. They do not trust anything [Labour] have to say.”

Promotional poster for BBC Four’s World at One with Sarah Montague

“They’re telling you, ‘I have voted Labour all my life but I am not voting for Keir Starmer,’” she continued, “if you know the Brummie way of doing things, [the general public] have made it clear they are not voting for Keir Starmer.”

Earlier in the interview, Ms Hamilton had outlined the threat she believes is being faced by the Labour Party over issues with its leadership, stating: “I am telling people today, unless we wake up smell the roses we may as well hand the keys of Number 10 over to Reform in the next couple of years.”

This was highlighted in a recent and razor thin battle for the Stockland Green Ward, where the Labour candidate Derek Douglas lost to Reform UK’s Mansoor Butt by only one vote.

At the official count, Mr Douglas told Erdington Local he felt the loss was a direct result of negative feelings towards the national party.

Reform’s Mansoor Butt in an empty Utilita Arena after Stockland Green recount / Photograph by Ed King

The Erdington MP’s strong words today mirror a campaign spearheaded by Catherine West MP (Hornsey and Friern Barnet, Labour) to oust the Labour leader and establish a fresh face in Number 10 ahead of the next General Election.

At the time of writing, over 50 MPs across the UK have backed the call for a leadership challenge – with Sir Starmer making an impassioned speech to buoy support from his backbenchers and Cabinet, highlighting plans to potentially nationalise British Steel, and provide better opportunities for young people.

The Labour Leader was also clear on his plans to “[rebuild] our relationship with Europe” and put “Britain at the heart of Europe” – which many see as paving the way for a potential re-entry to the European Union.

Ms Hamilton MP also referenced this in her Radio 4 interview, stating she “was for Europe” and was “happy with what [Keir Starmer] said” in his speech, but that people in Erdington were contacting her constituency office the Labour leader’s stance.

“I’m telling you, residents have already started writing to me telling me they don’t like it,” Ms Hamilton told the BBC. “That’s the point. At the moment I’m starting to get mail into my office saying, ‘why has he (Kier Starmer) come out with that?’”

Paulette Hamilton and Keir Starmer in Erdington during by-election camapign in 2022 / Photograph from Erdington Local archives

Erdington Local reached out to Paulette Hamilton’s office for further comment on the issues over Europe and the EU and received the following statement from the Erdington MP:

“I campaigned to remain, but Britain voted to leave. That’s democracy. Residents have told me on the doorstep and by email that we voted to leave, and they’re right.

“A good relationship with Europe is important, but the ‘new direction’ won’t put us back to where we were in the EU.”

At the recent Council elections, Reform UK candidates won both seats in both Oscott and Kingstanding, and one of the two seats up for grabs in Stockland Green – with the other going to incumbent independent Amar Khan. Reform also one the single seats contested in Pype Hayes and Perry Common.

Elsewhere, Labour incumbents retained their seats in Gravelly Hill and Castle Vale – with the Local Conservatives also holding onto their two seats in the Erdington Ward.