Tuesday's Birmingham Council meeting saw the election of a new Lord Mayor, a protest beforehand, and even a member of Black Sabbath in attendance. However, uncertainty still hangs over the authority, one of the largest in Europe, after the meeting ended without a new council leader or a coalition in place.
The local elections earlier this month saw forecasts of Birmingham’s politics becoming deeply fractured come to pass, with no party having even half the seats needed for an overall majority. Since those dramatic results, attention has turned to whether a coalition can be formed to set up a stable administration at the council, which faces huge issues such as ending the bins strike.
Reform, now the largest party on the council, and Labour, who lost control of the authority following the elections, have already ruled out any role for themselves in any incoming administration. The appointment of a council leader was on the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting, but the council chamber heard from the new Lord Mayor that more time was needed to find a way forward despite “positive talks” taking place.
The Green, Liberal Democrat, and Better Birmingham Independent groups released a joint statement following the meeting, saying they were working “to create a sustainable administration”. The leaders of these groups – Coun Julien Pritchard, Coun Roger Harmer, and Coun Harris Khaliq – said: “Following tonight’s council meeting we understand there are still many questions about the council’s leadership. As Leaders of the Green, Liberal Democrat, and Better Birmingham Groups we are tonight making clear our commitment to come together for a safer, greener and fairer city. We are working to create a sustainable administration to serve Birmingham’s residents. We call on other councillors who share our aim of a fairer city to support us. We are working hard to finalise an agreement soon, so we can give the leadership the council and the city deserves.”
Meanwhile, the Conservative group in Birmingham also called on all parties to work together to provide stability for the city. Councillor Robert Alden, leader of the Tory group in Brum, said: “Birmingham hasn’t elected one clear party to run the city but a mix of representatives from different parties. This means we owe it to our residents to work together, regardless of party affiliation, to provide the stable administration they deserve. Residents do not want political games or an administration held hostage by the extremes. They want bins collected, roads repaired, neighbourhoods cleaned up, and the council’s finances brought back under control.”
The appointment of the council leader and announcement of cabinet members have been adjourned until the next full council meeting. Tuesday also saw Coun Zaker Choudhry elected as Lord Mayor, a non-political role that represents the city, in a prestigious occasion which featured a trumpet player heralding his arrival. Meanwhile, Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi and Birmingham City Football Club chairman Tom Wagner were among the recipients of this year’s Lord Mayor’s Awards. Iommi was in the council chamber in person to receive the award from the previous Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Coun Zafar Iqbal. “The Lord Mayor’s Awards recognise the very best of Birmingham, individuals and organisations who have shown exceptional service to Birmingham and its people,” Coun Iqbal said. “From global icons like Tony Iommi and Tom Wagner to those working tirelessly in our communities, each award winner has played a vital role in shaping the Birmingham we all love.”
Outside the building in Victoria Square, a small group of protesters gathered ahead of the meeting, with some calling for a public inquiry into the council’s financial situation.
