Reform Party appears to be on track to become the largest party in Birmingham, according to early feedback from the election count at the Utilita Arena. Candidates and count watchers from Reform, the Greens, and some Independents are emerging with smiles, some claiming victory in key wards.
Key Seats Changing Hands
Ward End, Hall Green North, and Kings Norton South are among the seats where candidates report winning, taking them from Labour incumbents. Official results are expected from lunchtime onwards.
Expectations are growing that Reform could secure a majority of 51 seats, giving them overall control of the city council. This sentiment is reflected in the count hall feedback.
Independent Candidate Speaks
Harris Khaliq, an Independent candidate in Ward End, claimed a big majority. “People have come out in masses and decided to say no to the typical parties. Across all stations, people are voting for alternatives to Labour. I am confident I have won my seat, and other seats have gone from Labour. Today is a historic day—people said no to austerity and yes to an alternative. This is just the start, continuing to 2029.”
Green Candidate Confident
Rob Grant, the Green sitting councillor for Kings Norton South, believes he has retained his seat. “I have been successful in my ward again, and checking our other campaigns, we are doing extremely well. It is shocking that Labour has not performed well in certain areas.”
Independent Alliance Claims Success
Shakeel Afsar and Akhmed Yakoob, behind the Independent Candidates Alliance, said they aimed to support those wanting to remove Labour. “What we set out to do has happened. We wanted to get rid of Labour, who have historically taken our votes for granted. In some seats, Labour are not even in contention,” said Yakoob. Afsar added, “Labour caused this. If they lose control, they have done it themselves. We would rather have a Reform-controlled council and navigate them strategically than have Labour, who claim to love us but stab us in the back.” Yakoob added, “It is better to have an open enemy than a wolf in sheep’s clothing, which has been the case under Labour. I have spoken to Reform candidates; they are not stuck up like Labour.”
Labour Councillors Downbeat
Sitting Labour councillors were gloomy, with one describing the situation as “more terrible than expected. A lot of very good councillors and very good people will lose their seats today.”
Voters are electing 101 councillors across 69 wards to run the city council, the largest in the country. Currently, Labour holds 51 seats, Conservatives 22, Liberal Democrats 12, and Greens 2. Former Labour councillors now standing as Independents hold seven seats, along with three Harborne and Quinton Independents. Two seats are vacant.
