Walsall Braces for Political Transformation as Every Council Seat Contested
With local elections rapidly approaching in May 2026, Walsall residents should anticipate a significant increase in doorstep visits from political candidates actively campaigning to secure crucial votes. The political landscape of Walsall Council stands on the brink of substantial change, as every single seat across the entire borough becomes available for election on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Boundary Changes Trigger Unprecedented Electoral Contest
These comprehensive all-out elections result directly from ward boundary revisions implemented by the Local Government Boundary Commission. Following these adjustments, the borough of Walsall will maintain its division into twenty distinct wards, each continuing to be represented by three councillors. Currently, Walsall Council operates under Conservative control, with Councillor Mike Bird leading the party's thirty-one seats.
The Conservative majority remains exceptionally fragile at just one seat, meaning the party could potentially lose overall control even before the May elections if another councillor resigns in the intervening period. This precarious position highlights the volatile nature of local politics in Walsall as election day approaches.
Conservative Party Faces Internal Challenges and Defections
Several familiar Conservative figures will be absent from the ballot papers in May after nine sitting councillors faced deselection by the Aldridge Brownhills Conservative Association. Councillor Keith Sears, the ward member for Aldridge North and Walsall Wood who recently celebrated fifty years of unbroken service, criticised the association's actions, suggesting they were effectively "handing the local elections to Reform on a plate."
These deselections prompted Councillor Vera Waters to leave the Conservative party, becoming one of seven members to depart over the past twelve months. Additional notable departures include Councillor Stacie Elson, who resigned in May 2025 without publicly confirming her reasons, and former council leader Garry Perry, who abandoned politics entirely in August 2025, claiming the system had become "tone deaf to challenge."
Further resignations occurred when Councillor Jade Chapman left the group after attending the Tommy Robinson march in London, subsequently joining Advance UK as a regional director. Most recently, Councillors Gaz Ali, Amo Hussain, and Izzy Hussain exited the Conservatives in response to both the deselections and what they described as the "divisive rhetoric" emanating from the national party.
Labour Group Also Experiences Membership Decline
The Labour group in Walsall, under the leadership of Councillor Matt Ward, has similarly witnessed a reduction in numbers. Seven councillors collectively left the group since December 2023, primarily due to disagreements with Keir Starmer's stance regarding Israel's conflict with Gaza. Additionally, husband and wife councillors Paul and Chris Bott departed in November 2025 over concerns about the handling of twenty million pounds in government funding allocated to Darlaston.
Independent and Reform UK Presence Grows
Currently, nine councillors constitute the Walsall Independents Group, led by Councillor Aftab Nawaz. The council's composition is completed by seven further independent councillors and the authority's inaugural Reform UK councillor, reflecting increasing political diversity within local government.
According to projections from Electoral Calculus, if a general election were held immediately, Reform UK would secure victory in every Walsall ward except four: Aldridge Central and South, Paddock, Pheasey Park Farm, and Steetly, where the Conservatives are predicted to maintain their hold.
Local Issues Likely to Influence Voter Decisions
While national political dynamics will undoubtedly drive many voters to the polls on May 7, numerous local concerns may significantly impact electoral outcomes, potentially costing or earning votes for the ruling Conservatives. Key issues include:
- Controversial plans for the Leather Museum
- Substantial reductions in grass cutting services across the borough
- Major regeneration projects underway in various areas
- Management and allocation of government funding streams
Registered voters can expect to receive their official poll cards through postal delivery in early April 2026, marking the final countdown to an election that promises to reshape Walsall's political future fundamentally.
