With Birmingham's local elections just days away, party leaders and candidates faced tough questions on bins, unity, and more at the Big BirminghamLive Election Hustings. The event, held on April 24, 2026, featured seven candidates: Shakeel Afsal (Independent), Robert Alden (Conservative), John Cotton (Labour), Roger Harmer (Liberal Democrats), Nosheen Khalid (Independent), Jex Parkin (Reform UK), and Julien Pritchard (Green). Here are five key takeaways.
1. Bins Strike a Top Priority Across Parties
All candidates agreed that resolving the ongoing bins strike would be an immediate priority. Green Party's Julien Pritchard called the situation "scandalous" and a "dereliction of duty," urging immediate negotiations. Liberal Democrat Roger Harmer stressed the need for legal clarity to enable talks. Labour leader John Cotton defended his party's efforts, warning that further concessions could lead to equal pay liabilities.
2. Conservative-Reform Tensions Boil Over
Reform's Jex Parkin accused the Conservatives of being responsible for residents' problems due to national policies. Conservative leader Robert Alden countered that only his party has a plan to fix Labour's mess, accusing Reform of splitting the opposition vote. Parkin dismissed this, calling the claim "complete nonsense."
3. Independents Call for Change
Independent candidates Shakeel Afsal and Nosheen Khalid argued that mainstream parties have failed Birmingham. Khalid pointed to the Oracle system, equal pay claims, and the failed athletes' village as Labour-made problems, not austerity. Cotton blamed austerity for the city's woes, but Khalid rebutted that local mismanagement was the real cause.
4. Reform Wants to Unite Under the British Flag
Asked about hate crimes and celebrating diversity, Reform's Parkin advocated uniting the city under the British flag, praising recent flag displays. Rivals accused Reform of being divisive. Independent Afsar noted the irony of a party called "Reform" causing division, while Labour's Cotton warned that Reform and others want to "tear the city apart."
5. Station Street and Brummie Icons Celebrated
Candidates highlighted Birmingham's heritage: Green and Liberal Democrat candidates praised Station Street's Electric Cinema and The Crown pub (Black Sabbath's first gig). Labour's Cotton said the council is working to reopen the cinema. Other icons mentioned include Black Sabbath, the Balti Triangle, and the canal system.
The May 7 election will decide control of all 101 council seats, with Labour seeking to retain power amid a fractured political landscape.
