Victory for Reform in Walsall as Tory control brought to an end

Reform UK has taken Walsall Council by storm in a historic victory for the party with Nigel Farage’s party winning 40 seats out of 60.

The Tories have managed to secure 10 seats, Walsall Community Independents eight, and just one for Labour. 

The Green Party, Liberal Democrats and Advance UK did not win a single seat.  

It marks the end of the Conservative Party’s control over the council, along with former leader Mike Bird’s reign. 

Also gone is most of the Labour group, including former leader Matt Ward.

The only Labour candidate who managed to retain her seat was Councillor Simran Cheema in the Willenhall ward.

Walsall has often bucked the trend in local and general elections, but Reform’s takeover follows the group’s overwhelming success in other local elections this week.

Elaine Williams, chair of the Walsall and Bloxwich Reform UK branch and now councillor in the Short Heath ward, said: “It’s been an excellent day. It’s been a long day but we are really pleased with ourselves.

“We had an idea we were going to take control but I think this is better than we expected. I’d like to thank everybody who voted for Reform but also to those who didn’t vote for us, we are here for all residents of Walsall.”

Those with the highest number of votes will serve a four-year term, the second highest will serve a two-year term, and the third will receive a one-year term.