On Thursday, May 7, 2026, every seat on Walsall Council will be contested in an all-out election, following a review by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England. The review has led to boundary and name changes for many of the 20 wards across the borough.
Key Details of the All-Out Election
All 60 seats are up for re-election to avoid councillors serving simultaneously in old and new wards. The borough remains divided into 20 wards, each electing three councillors. Currently, the Conservatives run the council as a minority administration with 28 members, led by Councillor Mike Bird, first elected in 1980 and leader on six occasions. The Walsall Independent Group holds 12 seats, Labour has 11, there are eight non-aligned independents, and one Advance UK councillor.
Candidate Breakdown
A total of 282 individuals are standing for election. The Conservatives, Labour, and Reform UK each field 60 candidates, covering every seat. The Greens have 53 candidates, while the newly formed Walsall Community Independents put forward 20. Additionally, 16 independent candidates, seven Liberal Democrats, and five from Advance UK are standing.
Key Issues at Stake
Each political group has outlined positions on divisive issues affecting Walsall residents, including the Leather Museum deal, green belt development, rewilding, housing stock, council tax increases, £120 million of government regeneration funding, and the controversial Reedswood Park school development. Independent candidates' views are not covered in these statements.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) also published member enquiry data for all existing councillors seeking re-election, detailing how many resident enquiries they raised on issues like antisocial behaviour, road problems, and waste management.
Election Forecasts and Voter Sentiment
PollCheck forecasts predict a Reform UK takeover in 15 of the 20 wards. However, when the LDRS spoke to people on Bloxwich high street last week, many felt uncertain about whom to vote for.
How to Vote
On May 7, voters must choose three candidates. Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm. Due to boundary changes, many polling stations have moved; voters are urged to check their poll card carefully. The count will take place the following day, with results expected between 5pm and 6.30pm.
In each ward, the candidate with the highest number of votes serves a four-year term, the second highest a two-year term, and the third a one-year term. This system allows the council to return to its usual electoral cycle, where only one seat is contested per ward per election.
Further Information
Residents can check registration details by calling the Election Office on 01922 652502 or emailing electionoffice@walsall.gov.uk. The full list of candidates is available at: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/your-council/voting-and-elections/upcoming-elections-and-legal-notices.
