Tag: Local Politics

Posted on

FEATURE: “It was just a car crash. And our local councillors, I’ll be honest, they didn’t stand a chance.”

(l-r) Paulette Hamilton and Keir Starmer at Tia’s Hair Salon on York Rd, Erdington – on the campaign trail for the 2022 Parliamentary by-election / Erdington Local archives

The recent Local Elections in May saw Labour lose six local councillors across the Erdington constituency and get propelled out of power across the wider city – with many blaming a toxic national brand and blind hate for anyone wearing a red rosette.

The once safe labour seat was now, on a local level, overwhelmingly represented by Reform UK. And on the doorsteps, it seems the public ire was aimed at one politician – Sir Keir Starmer.

Erdington Local sat down with Paulette Hamilton MP to ask just how bad it has become for Labour and why she was so publicly vocal about the need for change at the top.

——

Words by Ed King

Paulette Hamilton MP looks tired, sounds tired, and is hastily eating lunch on the go as we sit down to discuss the thrashing the Labour candidates in her constituency took at the recent Local Election – which saw several longstanding Labour seats go over to the new kids on the block.

An hour behind schedule, she’s been at “big roundtable in [Birmingham] City Centre looking at supported exempt accommodation” – an issue that often dominates both public and political discourse in the city – and is “not in Parliament today because I am, as I’ve always said, I’m more interested in the local things.”

Breakdown of Birmingham City Council seats won in May ’26 Local Election

And it would be pertinent to be present in Erdington right now, for a Labour MP. In May, mirroring results from across the country, Reform UK smashed down Erdington’s red wall to take all the ward seats in Oscott, Kingstanding, Pype Hayes, and Perry Common, and one in Stockland Green. A tough night for Erdington Constituency Labour Party (CLP), no doubt.

And in her own patch, this Labour MP now has only two of her own party as elected officials: Cllr Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale and Cllr Mick Brown in Gravelly Hill. Both whom carried themselves through with fiercely fought for local support, winning despite of their national party.

“I’m a bit of a hands-on MP,” begins Paulette Hamilton, explaining her own experiences on the campaign trail, in both the recent Local Elections and the last General Election. “I don’t just send people out to do things I won’t do myself. And I’ll start by prefacing everything I’m going to say. I really like Sir Keir Starmer.”

You can sense what’s coming. But the rumbling beneath the surface back in 2024 seems to have erupted into something much more unpleasant in 2026.

Local election count at Utilita Arena / Photograph by Ed King

“We noticed it during the General Election” continues Hamilton. “People were saying, yes, they would give us a chance, but they don’t like our leader. And what we were finding [during the campaign for the Local Elections] was in areas like Castle Vale, Kingstanding, in Erdington, and other places, people started talking about national issues at the door.

“So at the door, we were getting national issues, not local ones. And it all ended with – we don’t like your leader. Some people were literally slamming the door in my face.

“In Oscott [the Labour candidates] had a really difficult time. It was all about immigration. They don’t want the boat people, the black people. I had people at doors. saying to me, are you black? Where are you from?”

Image from Adobe Stock Images

Paulette Hamilton became Birmingham’s first ever Black MP, coming comfortably first across the finish line in the 2022 by-election, triggered by the untimely death of Jack Dromey MP.

“Where is your mum from? Where is your grandmother from?” continues Hamilton, describing the racism she experienced ahead of the May elections. “And when I said the Caribbean [they said] well, you’re not British then.

“You’re not white. You’re not white. You’re not… your family history doesn’t come from England, Scotland, Ireland or Wales. And this is what your party is about.”

Abhorrent, no question. But how different was this to campaigning for the Parliamentary seat in 2022 or 2024, when it was about national issues?

“Much more hostile, but it was definitely on national issues. Don’t get me wrong, [people] talked about the bin strike, which was relatable. They talked about Birmingham being bankrupt. But you’d have expected to hear far more of that, considering it was [a Local Election].

“And everything was being blamed on Labour, even though Labour had only been in power for 18 months. And it was all our fault.”

(l-r) Keir Starmer and Paulette Hamilton at press conference in Erdington during 2022 by-election / Erdington Local Archives

There is little doubt that the political landscape has changed, with more popularist parties – both left and right leaning – gaining momentum and seats in the House. And with such vitriol for the leader of your party, as Hamilton admits “we were going to lose” at the next General Election.

“If I hadn’t experienced it, I wouldn’t have believed it could have happened,” adds Hamilton, “but I knew the Labour Party was headed in the wrong direction.

“We’d got the policies, we’ve got the people, but unfortunately the public have stopped… had stopped listening to us and we needed a reset.”

And that reset came, eventually, after an increasing number of Labour stalwarts began to come out and call for Keir Starmer to lay out a timeline for his resignation – the message, received sometimes so aggressively on the doorstep, was clear. A change was needed at the top.

(l-r) Keir Starmer and Paulette Hamilton meet CLP members on Erdington High Street during 2022 by-election campaign / Erdington Local archives

Paulette Hamlton took several interviews on high profile national news outlets, being very clear that Sir Keir needed to go. As risky move for a backbencher, but “I just knew that I had got nothing to lose at that point” she explains.

“I was always going out and I was always spouting the party lines,” continues Hamilton. “But it came to a point where I had to look at my constituency… I had got an Asian part of my constituency that had disengaged. They’d just disengaged with Keir Starmer, the Labour Party, the whole lot.

“Black community stayed at home, disengaged, because Derek (Douglas, who lost the race for the Stockland Green Ward by one vote to Reform’s Manni Butt) would have won that seat if the Black community had engaged enough, right?

Cllr Manni Butt at Utilita Arena after winning Stockland Green Ward by one vote / Photograph by Ed king

“White communities split to hell between reform, Labour, Greens, left, right. And then we’d got a leader that was just carrying on and not listening to what was going on out in the country. And I just felt I’m of an age where I can either carry on hoping for some big Cabinet position that was never going to come, or I can be true to what residents are saying to me.”

Backs against the wall, perhaps. And whilst the very public move, and being one of the first to make it, may have garnered Paulette Hamilton “a lot of hugs” from some in Westminster, she hasn’t got “Andy’s (Burnam) number in my phone book or been promised some position”.

“[People in Erdington] need to feel that the voices they are hearing, they can trust,” adds Hamiton. “They need to feel better that they are… They’re getting the change that they were promised. They’re getting the finances in their pocket. They feel better when they wake up compared to when they went to bed. They have seen improvements in the area where they live.”

And now that the King is dead, and the national Labour Party is on the cusp of crowning another, does our battle weary Erdington MP believe the gamble paid off?

“I actually do. And I have… you’ll be the first to know, but I have nominated [Andy Burnham. This man has done 20 odd years in Parliament. He went to Greater Manchester and learned those skills that sometimes parliamentarians haven’t got. And that is local community and what local communities need.

“And when you combine all those skills and plus his personality… He doesn’t forget a name. You know, he really is a people’s person. And I think it shines.”

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

Posted on

OPINION: A view from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale’s Councillor Ray Goodwin

Cllr Ray Goodwin, outside Spitfire House on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin

For years, I have proudly campaigned for cleaner streets, rolling up my sleeves alongside an incredible local litter-picking group and, with the support of Pioneer Housing, helping to make our neighbourhoods places we can all be proud of. Community spirit has always been at the heart of what we do.

That is why I was deeply disappointed to learn, at 5.45pm on a Friday evening, that major changes to household waste collections would begin the following week.

The return of recycling collections, additional recycling bins, weekly food waste collections and extra street cleansing resources are all positive steps that deserve recognition. I welcome any genuine effort to improve recycling and keep our communities cleaner.

However, introducing fortnightly general waste collections with so little notice is unacceptable. This is a significant change that affects every household, particularly larger families, carers and those with limited storage space.

Residents should have been properly informed and given the opportunity to understand how the changes would affect them before they were introduced.

Good public services rely on trust, and trust is built through clear communication, transparency and meaningful engagement. Announcing a major service change at the end of the working week, with implementation just days later, falls well short of what residents deserve.

I want this pilot to succeed because cleaner neighbourhoods benefit us all. But success depends on taking residents with you, not leaving them feeling ignored.

We all share the responsibility of keeping our communities clean, and the Council has a responsibility to keep residents fully informed when making decisions that affect everyday life.

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

Posted on

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

Posted on

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.

 

Posted on

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.

Posted on

OPINION: A View from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin

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

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

I wanted to share some positive news and updates about improvements and investment for Castle Vale.

One of the things residents have been telling me for a while is that we need more litter bins across the estate. I’ve been pushing for this and I’m pleased to say that the hard work has paid off. We will now be getting additional bins installed in a number of locations around Castle Vale.

The exact locations still need to be formally confirmed, but as soon as I have the full details I’ll make sure residents are the first to know.

I’m also happy to share an update on the regeneration work taking place in our parks. This has been an important project for many people in the community, and I know residents are keen to see the improvements completed.

I have been assured that all park works across the estate will be finished by July 2026 at the latest. A promise was made to residents and it’s important that we see it delivered.

There’s also some great news when it comes to funding for the area. I’ve successfully secured £20,000 for community projects in Castle Vale. This funding will go towards initiatives that make a real difference to local people and support our community.

On top of that, I’ve also secured £150,000 in local highways funding. What’s really important is that residents will help decide how this money is spent.

For me, it’s simple — putting residents first and delivering for Castle Vale.

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

Posted on

OPINION: A message from Paulette Hamilton, MP for Erdington

Paulette Hamilton MP outside Yenton Primary School, Chester Road, Erdington / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP

Words by Paulette Hamilton MP

The new year has begun with real progress for families across our community. I am delighted that Gunter, Yenton, and Chivenor Primary Schools will soon open Labour’s free breakfast clubs, building on the support already reaching local schools.

That commitment to fairness is matched by decisive national action. After years of decline under the Conservatives, I was proud to see West Midlands rail services brought back into public ownership.

Services at Erdington and Gravelly Hill stations will now be run for passengers, not shareholder profit, helping to deliver the simpler, more reliable railway our communities deserve.

After the success of securing Kingstanding’s £20 million Pride in Place funding, I have been meeting residents and local organisations, listening directly to those who know the area best. Their voices will shape the priorities for this funding.

The next crucial step is appointing a chair to the local board, and I encourage anyone who lives or works in Kingstanding South East and shares our vision for renewal to apply.

Yet, as we deliver, the Conservatives are descending into chaos. Senior Tories like Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick, architects of their party’s failed immigration policy and economic wreckage, are now rebranding themselves within the ranks of Reform.

They are one and the same. This is a desperate reshuffle of the same failed deck, offering no real solutions for communities like ours.

Despite the political noise, I remain committed to fighting for investment, fairness, and opportunity for Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott, today, tomorrow, and every day.

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

Posted on

OPINION: A View from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin

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

Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin

The past month has shown once again what can be achieved when communities are supported, empowered and listened to. The mobile tip truck has proved its value following the post-Christmas period, helping residents tackle waste and improve the environment they care so deeply about.

Alongside this, our dedicated community litter pickers have now collected an incredible 1,560 bags of rubbish — a powerful demonstration of civic pride and collective action.

But this is about more than numbers. It is about people. Across Castle Vale, residents are stepping forward to make a difference: volunteers supporting the food bank, neighbours organising clean-ups, and local creative talent like Duane Emsley, who is producing films that showcase the voices and stories of our community.

This is what happens when people are given the opportunity and support to lead change themselves.

I am often asked why I chose to get involved in politics, and why I am standing for re-election. The answer is clear. Politics should be about people — not rhetoric, not ideology, but real action that improves everyday lives.

Campaigners like the inspirational Jane Roche, who continues to fight for justice for families who lost loved ones to Covid, remind us that leadership means standing up for those who might otherwise be unheard.

Castle Vale proves that democracy is strongest when communities are at its heart. My commitment remains the same: to champion local voices, fight for fairness, and ensure that people-powered politics delivers real change where it matters most.

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