Solihull voters are set to head to the polls on Thursday, May 7, for the most significant local elections in the borough in years. Following boundary changes, every single seat across Solihull is up for grabs, with a total of 51 councillors to be elected across 17 wards. The stakes could not be higher, as the results are no foregone conclusion.
Current Council Makeup
Solihull Council is currently Conservative-run, with the makeup comprising 27 Tories, eight Greens, eight Liberal Democrats, four Reform UK members, three independents, and one Labour councillor. The council has been under Conservative majority control since 2011, and since the metropolitan borough was established in 1974, no other party has held it, with control flipping between no overall control and the Tories.
Key Battleground
The magic number of seats needed for a majority is 26 councillors. The Conservatives were once comfortably above this line, but with four defections of Tory councillors to Reform UK in the past year, their majority has shrunk. The battleground is now highly competitive, as the Conservative Party and Reform UK are standing candidates in all 51 seats.
The Green Party has put up 42 candidates, and the Liberal Democrats have 33. How many councillors these parties secure could be significant, as in the event of no overall control, they could become kingmakers by forming a coalition. The Labour Party, the only other party competing in all 51 seats, faces an uphill task, with pollsters predicting the party could see its worst-ever performance in local elections nationally.
Party Leaders' Interviews
In the run-up to the election, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) interviewed party leaders to give residents an idea of what each party is offering. The interviews covered topics such as coalition deals, fresh starts, and main opposition roles.
Turnout Concerns
Another factor in deciding who runs the council could be turnout. The LDRS found a general lack of interest among Solihull and Meriden residents, with uncertainty about whether potential voters will make it to the ballot box.
Polling Information
Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm on May 7. Voters must show photo ID to vote. Some polling stations have changed, so voters are urged to check their poll card carefully before heading out. Voters can vote for up to three candidates on their ballot paper. Only borough residents who registered to vote will be able to vote.
Results Coverage
The LDRS will cover the count on Friday, May 8, with results expected to begin being announced from 3pm. For the full list of candidates, visit the Solihull Council website.
