The Conservative Party has lost its majority on Solihull Council for the first time in 15 years, following a surge by Reform UK in the 2026 local elections. The authority is now in a state of 'no overall control', as no party secured the 26 seats required for a majority. This marks the first time since 2021 that the council has been without a single ruling party.
Conservative Response
Conservative leader Councillor Karen Grinsell described the result as positive, stating that the party could still run the authority as a minority administration with 24 councillors. All Conservative cabinet members who stood for re-election, including Heather Delaney, Tony Dicicco, Ken Hawkins, Andy Mackiewicz, Mark Parker, and Wazma Qais, were successfully returned.
Reform UK Gains
Michael Gough, former leader of the Reform UK group on the council, described the gains as 'bitter sweet' after losing his own seat in Silhill. However, he celebrated his wife Eleonora's election as a Reform councillor in Elmdon ward. Reform UK won all available seats in Castle Bromwich, Chelmsley Wood, Fordbridge, and Kingshurst & Smith's Wood. Their new councillors include Alan Feeney, who was also elected as a Birmingham councillor earlier that day. These victories increased Reform UK's representation from four to 17 councillors, making them the second largest party on the authority.
Liberal Democrats and Green Party
Both the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party suffered losses. The Liberal Democrats, previously holding eight seats, now have six councillors. They found success in Lyndon, where they achieved a clean sweep, including leader Ade Adeyemo. The Green Party, also down from eight seats, now has four councillors but retained a clean sweep in Shirley South, which includes their leader Max McLoughlin.
Labour Wiped Out
Labour was completely wiped out, losing their sole councillor Hazel Dawkins in Kingshurst & Smith's Wood. The elections were the first held since boundary changes, with an overall turnout of 44.84 per cent. The final composition of the council is: Conservative Party 24, Reform UK 17, Liberal Democrats 6, Green Party 4.
