‘An osprey returning to its nest’ is how Councillor Mike Bird described being voted in as leader for the sixth time at Walsall Council.

An extraordinary meeting on June 10 saw Councillor Bird elected as leader following the resignation of the former post holder, Councillor Garry Perry. 

Councillor Bird’s fifth stint as leader came to a sudden end in June 2024 as he stepped down following suspension from the national conservative party. 

Councillor Perry took his place but resigned last month over allegations of bullying among other turmoil. 

Councillor Bird thanked Councillor Perry for ‘occupying’ the seat and for the elected members’ confidence in him.

He said: “The council has been through turbulent times in recent weeks. It would be churlish not to accept and thank Councillor Garry Perry for occupying this seat for the last 12 months. 

“Any comments on that are for Councillor Perry. But I think I have to say this, the damage that social media does to people in this room both personally and for this council, is a disgrace. 

“This council is elected by the residents of Walsall, to represent them and produce the services at the highest level. 

“It’s important to say that the policies and the services that we deliver are for the 250,000 residents of Walsall who put us here to do that. 

“I sincerely hope that I can carry that forward as I have done for many years. I thank you for the confidence you’ve put in me.”

Several members spoke on Councillor Bird’s comeback. Leader of the Independent Group, Councillor Aftab Nawaz, said: “What happened to you about a year ago, and the way you were removed from council, was an affront to democracy.

“We had people from outside deciding who would lead this council and that’s never good for this council. It’s never good that the people of the borough don’t get a choice on who is the leader.

“I know it’s been hard for you with some of the difficulties that’s happened on social media. On a personal level, congratulations, and on a political level, we will try our best to remove the conservatives.

“We will hold you accountable, we will look at plans you put forward and in particular at how you deal with inequality that exists in this council.”

Councillor Matt Ward, leader of the Labour Group, said: “Mike always said he’d get his name on that board one more time, and he has.

“We will do our best to scrutinise your policies and plans next year so they are delivering the best for Walsall residents.

“You’re right, social media is so toxic and ruins people’s lives. And key board warriors who sit there and slate elected members for not doing what they think we should be doing, should step into what we do. 

“What we put forward is a vision for our borough to make sure we’re doing the best for our people. But they don’t see the impact it has on ourselves and our families. 

“You’ve been around a long time, I know it’s had an impact on you. Doing 46 years, I take my hat off to you, it is a phenomenal achievement for this council."