The Conservative group leader in Walsall has congratulated the new Reform administration and wished them success, while cautioning that the real work is only beginning. Councillor Adrian Andrew, who represents Pheasey Park Farm ward, said he believes all newly elected members are committed to serving the borough's best interests.
Former deputy leader steps aside
Councillor Andrew previously served as deputy leader of Walsall Council before Reform secured a decisive victory in the local elections, wiping out the Conservative presence. He also held the regeneration portfolio, a role he first assumed in the mid-2000s.
"Congratulations to them, they've won the election. But some of the hard yards are actually done once you're in and when you're governing the borough," Councillor Andrew stated. "It is a big complex organisation and I really do wish them success because the borough needs success. That's what we want to see."
He acknowledged the democratic process, noting that while no council meeting has yet taken place, "the people have spoken and we accept the will of the people. That's the democracy we're all proud to live in."
Scrutiny role for opposition
With Reform winning 40 of the 60 seats on May 7, Councillor Andrew recognised that the new administration will be making all key decisions. He outlined the opposition's responsibility: "Our job is to scrutinise what's going on. We're going to scrutinise them and I'm sure the 20 opposition councillors that were elected will be in a position to challenge what they're doing."
Regeneration remains non-partisan
Councillor Andrew has frequently described Walsall as being on the "cusp of a renaissance" due to numerous major regeneration projects. He emphasised that the regeneration portfolio has "never been party political," even under previous Labour administrations.
"Because these regeneration plans are so long in the making, it's never been party political, even when we had the Labour administration," he explained. "There might be differences in the way you deliver things but, at the end of the day, I'm sure everyone who has been elected are there to do the best for Walsall Borough and to make sure that we are regenerating the place."
He highlighted the challenges posed by rising costs: "One of the biggest things that the council has had to deal with, particularly over the last couple of years and few months, is the huge cost increases on projects across the board because of international events and the state of the economy. Prices of materials and contracts are just going through the roof."
Despite these obstacles, Councillor Andrew remained optimistic: "But Walsall is on the cusp of a renaissance and we need to grasp the nettle, carry on and deliver for the people of Walsall."
