Welcome to your Monday briefing. Despite the turbulence and uncertainty of last Thursday's local elections, we hope you had an enjoyable, stress-free weekend. Kate certainly did, managing to momentarily escape the election buzz for her hen weekend spent at a countryside cottage in Hereford. Madeleine, on the other hand, hoping to put distance between her and the Utilita Arena, opted for a Saturday mulling around some quality Shropshire pubs.
On with today's edition: we have more elections analysis for you, including whispers of coalitions, the question of leadership, and Reform gains in Sandwell. As well as media picks to stretch your memory, quick hits from around the West Midlands, and a brilliant calendar of events for your week ahead.
Catch Up and Coming Up
On Saturday, we published a report from our day spent at the Utilita Arena for the election count. The overall takeaways were: Reform and Green candidates were mostly positive throughout the day, predicting big wins (which they later saw), and Labour being much more downcast.
A Blue Dawn in Brum
Fourteen years of Labour dominance are over. How will a new 'rainbow' council coalition fare? Madeleine Rousell reported. Readers shared their thoughts in the comments, wondering what comes next for Birmingham's council. Paul Rodmell noted that the most likely option seems to be a Green/LibDem/Labour administration plus the support of some independents, with others putting Labour's downfall to the bin strike which was, as Phil Davies put it, the toxic cherry on Labour's cake.
Last week we sent Shaul Patrick Hand to Coventry to see if a resurgent football team was being matched by a general come up for the city. I've been eagerly reading every piece that's been written about the Sky Blues' promotion these past few weeks and I think this is the best article I've read, commented Charles Lambert.
On Wednesday, Michele Paduano delved into a crisis at the Black Country's mental health trust, revealing that five people have died in NHS care over the last three years. Very detailed and interesting story, one reader said.
ICYMI
Readers are still hooked on Kate's huge (and exclusive) revelation that UK home secretary Shabana Mahmood was investigated in the 2004 vote-rigging scandal in Birmingham. One of the most fascinating local articles I've read for some years, Steve Dyson commented. Keep eyes peeled and inboxes refreshed for an update on this story.
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Photo of the Week
Flatpack Festival begins! Pictured is an immersive screening of Donkey Skin in Selly Manor in collaboration with Whatever Pays The Rent. Photo: Katja Ogrin via Instagram.
Big Story
Top line: After 14 years in charge, Labour lost control of Birmingham City Council on Friday night in a nail-biting vote count that has still not officially ended. The uncertainty is set to continue for the next few days as party leaders scramble to make alliances with potentially uneasy bedfellows in an attempt to secure power. This story is free to read — you just need to join our mailing list. And why wouldn't you? By becoming a Dispatch subscriber, you'll get our scoops, features, and insights in your inbox the second we hit publish. No card details required.
