The leader of the Green Party in Solihull has stated that his party has effectively served as the "main opposition" on the council, but emphasised that with more elected representatives, they could achieve even greater results.
Every council seat in Solihull will be contested when residents head to the polls on May 4. In the lead-up to the election, key questions were put to the leaders of each party on the authority to assist voters in making their decisions.
First to respond was Councillor Max McLoughlin, leader of the Green Party group on Solihull Council, which currently holds eight seats.
Aims for the next term
When asked about his main objectives if the party were to win a majority and form an administration, Cllr McLoughlin said: "Whatever the results in May, the Greens will push for more democratic accountability by replacing the cabinet model so that all councillors – not just a small group at the top – have a say in decisions."
He also highlighted the need for more genuinely affordable housing, noting that younger people are either priced out of the borough or unable to move out. Protecting the green belt from speculative development was another key priority, with communities needing to lead the process rather than developers.
"We've been the constructive voice on the council for 18 years. We'd carry on doing that, with more weight behind us," he added.
Council finances and tax rises
Regarding the council's financial challenges, Cllr McLoughlin pointed out that the Greens voted against the 25 per cent council tax rise over three years, while the Conservatives and Reform voted for it. He argued that moving to a committee system costs nothing but changes how decisions are made, allowing for proper scrutiny and preventing overspends and waste.
"No party can rule out future rises given the state of local government funding nationally, but any decisions need to be taken with the people impacted by them, not imposed without consultation or warning," he said.
Potential coalition negotiations
When asked if the party would enter negotiations with another party to form an administration if no overall control is achieved, Cllr McLoughlin said: "We're always willing to work constructively with others and always have been. But a backroom deal between parties isn't what anyone is voting for."
He reiterated the call for a committee model, which has been raised in parliament as working well elsewhere. "Residents expect their councillors to behave maturely. This means all parties working together to develop and deliver solutions for residents," he added.
Resident concerns
On the issues raised by residents during canvassing, Cllr McLoughlin said many people are frustrated but want to be heard rather than angry. They are concerned about divisive and aggressive politics and appreciate councillors who listen rather than lecture.
"They want to know that development meets the community's needs, protects the greenbelt, improves infrastructure, and doesn't prioritise developer's profits over local impact," he explained. Making the council more accountable to residents would change both how it works and what it does.
Message to undecided voters
In a final appeal to undecided voters, Cllr McLoughlin said the Solihull Green Party has been the main opposition group to the Conservatives since 2014, saving essential services and taxpayers' money through serious scrutiny of the Conservative administration.
"Residents keep re-electing us because they've seen us turn up, read the papers, do the casework, and vote in their interest. Our councillors answer to the people who elected them, not to a national party machine telling them how to vote," he stated.
He addressed those who have traditionally voted Conservative but feel let down, as well as those tempted by Reform in search of change. "But change only happens if the people you elect actually do the job. Look at our record on the council: scrutinising spending, opposing tax increases that fall disproportionately on those already struggling, fighting unwanted development. That's what we've done with the seats we have. With more councillors, we can do more."
