Birmingham Reform's new leader Jex Parkin has confirmed there is 'no viable route' to Reform running the council and they will be 'in opposition'.
Speaking to Birmingham Live, he said the party was 28 seats shy of the 51 seats needed to form a majority on the 101-seat council and 'other groups have repeatedly made clear they do not want to work with us.' Nor did the party wish to go into coalition with anyone, he added.
Ambition to Govern
'I was elected as group leader last night and naturally our ambition has always been to govern Birmingham City Council. We've always had that ambition, that's why we aimed for a majority, which for us was certainly the best-case scenario and we believe the best-case scenario for the residents of the city,' Parkin said.
'Other groups on the council have repeatedly made it clear that they're not willing to work with us. So clearly, there's going to be a challenge to reach a majority there.'
'Regardless of what happens politically and the outcome of the landscape over the next few days and weeks we will be working as hard as we can to deliver for residents.'
Minority Leadership Difficult
Asked if Reform could operate as a minority leadership, with 23 councillors making up the biggest single group, he said that would be difficult.
'You need 51 seats to govern Birmingham City Council. And again, we're coming in on 23, which as the largest party, we're really proud to be.'
'It's clear the other parties have repeatedly said that they would block us out of any coalition deals or arrangements that go on.'
'Whatever the political reality, of whatever deal is done, we will be doing everything we can to deliver for our residents because we believe that's most important.'
Cllr Jex Parkin (right, Kingstanding) has been appointed the new leader of Reform UK on Birmingham City Council with Charles Latchford (left, Longbridge and West Heath) appointed his deputy.
Progressive Coalition Concerns
Asked if he was worried by talk of a progressive coalition that could potentially run the council - comprising Greens, Lib Dems, Labour and some Independents to reach the magic 51, he said: 'Our ambition, of course, would be for a Reform UK majority on the council. That's the only way to deliver the change this city needs.'
'But again, regardless, whoever ends up ruling the council, we will do the best for the residents. The people that voted for us voted because they wanted to see Reform, not because they wanted to see another party.'
Official Statement
In a statement issued today in the name of Jex Parkin, the party said: 'The results in Birmingham are historic. From a standing start, Reform UK is now the largest party on Birmingham City Council. Voters are clearly demanding radical change.'
'Although we are the largest party, other groups have made it clear that they refuse to work with us, meaning there is no viable route for Reform to take control of the council.'
He added: 'Given that Birmingham has also clearly elected a left-wing majority, we have accepted that we will unfortunately be unable to form an administration.'
'We are committed to being a constructive opposition, ensuring the new leadership is effectively scrutinised in order to get our city back on track.'
Coalition Dynamics
The Liberal Democrats and Greens had already ruled out working with Reform UK in a coalition, leaving the party without a pathway to power at the council. Even with Conservative support, the numbers would still fall short of a majority in the council chamber.
It will now be down to the remaining parties to form a working coalition. The biggest party in Birmingham now is Reform UK with 23 seats. The party had never held a seat here before.
Greens are the second biggest party, with 19 seats, a massive surge after previously holding two. There was a massive anti-Labour vote, but the party managed to retain 17 seats, just ahead of the Conservatives, with 16 seats.
Liberal Democrats made no forward movement, with 12 seats, the same as it had at the start. Independents of varying types claimed 13 seats, and the Workers' Party have one.
