Former MP Marco Longhi Confirms Dudley Council Election Bid for Reform UK
A prominent Reform UK figure has officially declared his candidacy for the upcoming Dudley Council elections, setting his sights on unseating the current deputy mayor. Marco Longhi, who previously served as a Conservative MP for Dudley before switching allegiance to Reform, will be contesting the Upper Gornal and Woodsetton ward when voters head to the polls on May 7.
Campaign Focus on Local Infrastructure and Services
During his campaign, Mr Longhi has identified road maintenance and access to waste facilities as his top priorities. He expressed frustration with current council spending, stating: "How is it that we can spend many millions of pounds on cycle and bus lanes, grid-locking Dudley from all angles but we seem incapable of some of the most basic road maintenance activities to deal with dangerous potholes?"
He further emphasized that northern Dudley has borne the brunt of council austerity measures, pledging that this would change under a Reform administration. His specific proposal includes prioritizing access to a permanent waste recycling facility so residents no longer need to travel to Stourbridge for disposal services.
Liberal Democrats Gain Momentum with Former Tory Support
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have received a significant boost in Stourbridge and Wollaston after securing the endorsement of former Conservative councillor Nic Barlow. Mr Barlow, who previously represented the ward on Dudley Council for the Tories, has thrown his support behind Liberal Democrat candidates Lois Bramall and David Sheppard.
Mr Barlow praised both candidates as "former Stourbridge councillors with a strong, proven track record of delivering for our community." He added that as dedicated and visible campaigners working alongside Andrew Tromans, they are committed to listening to residents and addressing local issues.
Andrew Tromans himself defeated Mr Barlow in the 2024 local election to become one of three Labour councillors for the ward before defecting to the Liberal Democrats, adding another layer to the political dynamics.
Election Landscape and Key Deadlines
The deadline for candidate nominations in the May election is 4pm on Thursday, April 9. A complete list of candidates vying for the 25 available seats in Dudley's council chamber will be published within 24 hours of this deadline.
Currently, Dudley Council is governed by a Conservative minority administration that has relied on Liberal Democrat support to pass crucial votes, including the budget. This election will see voters selecting just over a third of the 72 borough councillors.
While an overall change in council control appears unlikely this year, smaller political groups could play pivotal roles as party leaders negotiate deals to maintain governance. One such group is the Black Country Party, which currently holds six council seats.
Smaller Parties Position Themselves as Alternatives
The Black Country Party has confirmed that councillors Karen Westwood, Karl Denning, and Matt Cook will be fighting to retain their positions, while Wayne Lewis and Dave Woolley will stand in Brierley Hill and Wordsley respectively.
Party leader Pete Lowe articulated their platform: "We will be the alternative voice for those fed up with national politics and national parties. We are unapologetically from the Black Country, for the Black Country." Their key demands include:
- Fair funding for public services
- Affordable rents and homes for communities
- Protection of green and open spaces
The May 7 elections promise to be a closely watched contest with established political figures changing allegiances and smaller parties positioning themselves as viable alternatives to traditional power structures.
