Reform UK has taken control of Sandwell Council in an historic victory, ending Labour's nearly five-decade grip on the authority. The party secured 41 seats in the May 7 elections, surpassing the 37 needed for a majority, while Labour saw its representation more than halved from 60 to 28 seats.
Historic Shift in Power
Labour had run Sandwell Council consecutively since 1979, but voters delivered a decisive shift. Reform UK, which previously held no seats on the council, achieved clean sweeps in multiple wards including Blackheath, Hill Top, Langley, Cradley Heath and Old Hill, Wednesbury, Great Bridge, Rowley, Prince's End, Friar Park and Stone Cross, and Charlemont and Grove Vale. Each ward elected three Reform councillors as former Labour strongholds fell across the borough.
Reform Leader's Reaction
Reform leader Ray Nock, elected in the Charlemont and Grove Vale ward, described feeling "euphoric" after the victory. "It's wonderful," he said. "All of my plans have come to fruition. I wish we could have done a little bit better but we've done okay, we've taken control of the council and what more can I say." Nock accused Labour and the Conservatives of betraying the borough, driving voters to Reform. He acknowledged significant financial challenges ahead: "I know how bad the damage is and we know there's a massive hole in the finances, but I don't know what it is yet."
Labour's Response
Outgoing Labour leader Kerrie Carmichael, who lost her Blackheath seat to Reform, expressed disappointment. "I feel really disappointed for myself because I've lost my seat and really disappointed for my colleagues who have worked really hard to turn this council around," she said. "It doesn't feel right that we've lost but unfortunately national politics have played a part in this. This has been treated like a general election if you like."
Other Results
Labour managed clean sweeps in Smethwick, West Bromwich Central, Soho and Victoria, Oldbury, St Pauls, and Greets Green and Lyng. In Hateley Heath, Great Barr, Tamebridge and Yew Tree, and Newton and Valley wards, Labour won two seats each while Reform took one. Reform secured two seats in Tipton Green, Old Warley, and Bristnall. The Green Party won two seats in Bearwood, and independent candidate Richard Jeffcoat was re-elected in Tipton Green. The Conservatives, who previously held four seats, were completely wiped out and have no representation on the council.
Election Details
An 'all out' election was held due to boundary changes, but the council will return to electing councillors by thirds, with the next elections scheduled for 2027, 2028, and 2030. In each ward, three candidates were elected: the candidate with the most votes serves a four-year term, second place serves two years, and third place serves one year.
