The leader of Walsall Council, councillor Garry Perry, has resigned with immediate effect.

In a statement released Wednesday, he said he made the decision to resign after being subjected to a ‘campaign of political attrition, deliberate undermining, and personal hostility’. 

He said Walsall ‘deserves better than the behaviour it is currently being subjected to behind closed doors.’ 

Cllr Perry said: “It is with deep disappointment, but clear conviction, that I submit my resignation as Leader of Walsall Council with immediate effect. “I have always believed that leadership should be based on principle, not popularity; on service, not self-interest.

“I have strived to serve this borough with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering focus on the needs of our residents — not the whims of internal politics. 

“Sadly, in recent months, it has become abundantly clear that these values are no longer shared by some within the ranks of local government. 

“I have been subjected to a sustained campaign of political attrition, deliberate undermining, and personal hostility — not because of failure or wrongdoing, but because I refused to play the game of patronage and self-preservation.

“Because I put public service before private agendas. 

“This is not leadership. This is bullying dressed up as politics. And I will not allow myself to be complicit by staying silent or clinging to office. 

“To those responsible — who have chosen whispers, backroom briefings, and destabilisation over accountability and honest dialogue — I say this: your actions speak volumes about your priorities. 

“You may win your short-term battles, but it is the people of Walsall who pay the price when standards are sacrificed at the altar of ambition. 

“And so I say to the public: please look closely at who you elect to represent you. Leadership is not about titles. It is about character. We cannot rebuild trust in politics unless we demand better — and choose better. 

“There are still many good people in public life. They deserve your support. But let no one mistake loyalty to the public for weakness or confuse honesty with naivety.

“I leave this office with my head held high, proud of what we’ve achieved, and more certain than ever that Walsall deserves better than the behaviour it is currently being subjected to behind closed doors.

” “This resignation is not a retreat. It is a statement — that the values of respect, decency, and genuine service matter more than any position of power.” 

Cllr Perry, a Conservative, became leader of the council in June 2024 after former leader, Cllr Mike Bird, resigned. Cllr Bird stepped down following a suspension by the Conservative Party.