The leader of the Liberal Democrats group on Solihull Council has indicated he would consider working with another party if the authority ends up with no overall control after the local elections on May 7. Councillor Ade Adeyemo, who leads a group of eight members, answered key questions ahead of the borough-wide vote, where every seat is up for election.
Main Aims for the Next Term
Asked about his priorities if his party wins a majority, Adeyemo said the Liberal Democrats would focus on helping residents struggling with the cost of living and the energy crisis, despite Solihull being an affluent borough. He pledged to fix local services such as social care, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision, and primary care, where families are currently being let down. Other priorities include pothole repairs, strong scrutiny of public spending, and cross-party work to deliver genuinely affordable social housing in the right places while supporting small businesses and high streets. Improving transport is also key, including restoring rail services to pre-pandemic levels, a motion recently brought to the council. Adeyemo stated, "We believe the council should not just be an ‘administrator of cuts’. We want a fairer, greener, more responsive council focused on residents’ everyday needs."
Council Finances and Tax Rises
On the council's financial challenges, Adeyemo blamed years of poor Conservative planning, noting that while the Conservatives celebrated low council tax, they admitted it had been too low, contributing to the current crisis. Residents now face potential council tax rises of approximately 25% over three years. The Liberal Democrats have consistently challenged the Conservatives' approach, offered alternatives, and raised concerns, but have been ignored. Adeyemo said his party would push for fairer government funding and multi-year settlements, prioritise essential services, and improve efficiency and transparency. He added, "We won’t make unrealistic promises – we would invest in energy efficiency, protecting green spaces and improving public transport, helping both the environment and long-term financial stability."
Potential for Cross-Party Cooperation
If no party gains overall control, Adeyemo said he would consider a ‘confidence and supply’ arrangement where it helps the council function effectively. Cooperation must be based on shared values and priorities that put residents first and promote togetherness, not ideology and division. He ruled out supporting arrangements involving populist or wasteful policies. He also recognised positive decisions such as the Mell Square redevelopment, which adds housing without impacting the green belt.
Residents' Concerns
During canvassing, Adeyemo said residents are concerned about rising bills and council finances, roads (potholes, speeding, and inconsiderate parking), waste services, access to GPs, social care, housing developments, and protecting the green belt. He would work with partners to improve primary care and social care and support housing developments by prioritising brownfield development.
Message to Undecided Voters
Adeyemo urged undecided voters to choose the Liberal Democrats, describing them as trusted local people with a proven track record. He highlighted serious challenges facing Solihull Council, including the likelihood of no overall control, council tax rises, and a culture where scrutiny and transparency have been suppressed. He said voters need people they can trust when tough decisions must be made on spending priorities, protecting vulnerable people, delivering essential services, and council tax. He asked, "Do you trust the current leadership or unknown Reform candidates led by former Conservatives, the architects of the current chaos?" He concluded that the Liberal Democrats offer a clear alternative, asking tough questions, proposing practical solutions, and representing communities, with a proven track record of working with residents, not imposing on them.
