Birmingham Conservatives leader Robert Alden has stated that his party defied election polls for the city, despite the growing threat from Reform UK, and pledged to work with people 'across the political spectrum'.
Election Results and Council Makeup
The dramatic election count on Friday saw Birmingham enter unprecedented territory, with voters firmly rejecting the two-party system. The result is a fragmented council comprising Reform UK, the Greens, Labour, Conservatives, independents, and Liberal Democrats, meaning no single party has overall control. It remains uncertain whether a coalition can be formed to run the city.
Labour paid the price for public frustration over issues like the bin strike, losing control as Reform, the Greens, and independents promised change. The Conservatives faced a direct clash with Nigel Farage's Reform, with both parties trading criticism before the May 7 vote.
Conservative Performance
The Tories secured at least 16 councillors in Birmingham, a slight decrease from before the election and fewer than Reform. However, they held several seats in Sutton Coldfield, gained two in Sutton Vesey, and retained seats in Edgbaston and Highter's Heath. Robert Alden, the Conservative group leader, held his seat in Erdington alongside Gareth Moore.
Speaking at the count, Alden said: 'The councillors who were elected have been given a democratic mandate from residents. The duty now is on everyone to work constructively to deliver a better city. There are fundamental issues – the state of council finances, rubbish on our streets, and the ongoing bin strike. We have solutions and are willing to work with those interested in improving these issues.'
Defying Predictions
Alden defended his party's performance against predictions of heavy losses in areas like Sutton Coldfield and Erdington. 'We saw lots of people predicting we would lose massively, but we held all those seats. The picture is very different from what polls predicted. Where there are hard-working local councillors, people put their faith in them – that's a crucial part of democracy.'
He outlined Tory priorities: cleaning up Birmingham, restoring weekly bin collections, and converting exempt accommodation into family housing. 'We'll try to work with people across the political spectrum to deliver these priorities,' he added.
Coalition Prospects
When asked if the Conservatives would consider a coalition with Reform, Alden responded: 'You're putting words into my mouth. Our interests lie with the people of Birmingham. We want a city residents deserve, not the one Labour left.'
The new political makeup of the council (51 seats needed for a majority) is: Reform UK 22, Green Party 19, Labour 17, Conservative 16, Independents 13, Liberal Democrats 12. Two seats in Glebe Farm & Tile Cross remain undeclared, with results expected Monday.
