Labour has issued its final appeal to Birmingham voters ahead of the city council election, with leader John Cotton calling on residents to 'choose unity over division'. The party is fielding 101 candidates across every ward, aiming to retain its position as the council's largest party and ideally secure at least 51 seats for a majority.
The Stakes in the Election
Labour faces opposition from the Conservatives, Green Party, Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK, all of whom are running full slates of candidates. Additionally, 27 Workers' Party candidates, seven Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition candidates, and five Your Party candidates are standing, alongside more than 70 independents.
John Cotton, a lifelong Brummie who became council leader in May 2023, is seeking re-election in the Glebe Farm and Tile Cross ward. He was first elected as a councillor in 1999.
Cotton's Message to Voters
In his final pitch, Cotton emphasised unity: 'I am proud to have lived in Birmingham for my whole life, so I know that our city is at its strongest when we stand together. However, at this election Brummies have the choice between unity and progress with Labour, or division and risk with Reform and the so-called independents.'
He criticised opponents for 'pitting neighbour against neighbour and talking our city down', adding that this is not the Birmingham he believes in.
Addressing the Bin Strike
Cotton acknowledged the prolonged bin strike but defended Labour's approach: 'I know that the strike has gone on for far too long, but it was crucial that we reached a deal that was fair for our workforce, is good value for money, and won't risk creating new structural equal pay liabilities. It's now absolutely clear that whilst other parties have no plan, it is only Labour that can end this dispute and deliver a refuse service that works for everyone in Birmingham.'
Labour's Five-Point Plan
Cotton outlined Labour's five key pledges for the city:
- Put Brummies first by easing the cost of living and backing children
- Crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour
- Fix the bin service and clean up streets
- Invest in every corner of Birmingham and restore pride to high streets
- Bring unity to the city and challenge division
He stressed that with a Labour council, Labour government, and Labour Mayor Richard Parker working together, Birmingham finally has the stability it needs. However, he warned that this could be jeopardised if the council falls into the hands of those who seek to divide the city.
Birmingham's Future
Cotton acknowledged the city's challenges, describing it as 'a tale of two cities' with a booming centre contrasting with neighbourhoods affected by poverty and unemployment. He highlighted Labour's commitment to investing in communities and delivering homes, jobs, and services.
He pointed to Birmingham's strengths in life sciences, creative industries, advanced manufacturing, and green energy, as well as developments like the Sports Quarter and Digbeth regeneration. 'Our challenge now as a city is to build on this, and to give people in every neighbourhood a genuine stake in Birmingham's economic growth,' he said.
Cotton concluded: 'By voting Labour on May 7, the people of Birmingham can put our city on the path to a brighter and more successful future that will benefit every community, every neighbourhood and every Brummie.'
