Walsall Political Parties Outline Stances on Leather Museum Relocation Ahead of Elections
All seven political groups standing in the upcoming local elections in Walsall have now clearly outlined their positions regarding the controversial Leather Museum relocation plans. This issue has become a significant point of debate as voters prepare to head to the polls.
Political Party Positions on the Museum Move
Advance UK, the Green Party, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, and Walsall Community Independents have all stated their opposition to the relocation plans. The Conservatives, who currently control the council, have confirmed they intend to complete the move "as soon as practicable." Meanwhile, Labour has acknowledged the museum's importance to Walsall's identity while remaining non-committal about specific actions.
The proposal was originally introduced by former council leader Councillor Garry Perry as a cost-saving measure in the 2025/26 budget. Official council figures indicate the attraction's annual running costs are £288,000, with the relocation expected to save approximately £190,000 per year. However, the plan was temporarily withdrawn from the budget following substantial public backlash.
Financial Details and Community Response
In September 2025, the nine-member cabinet approved a plan to close the Walsall Leather Museum at its current Littleton Street West location and lease the Grade II-listed building to Walsall College for Special Educational Needs provision. The estimated renovation costs for the college's use stand at around £2.5 million, with additional expenses of £75,000 to £80,000 for removing and storing the museum's collection.
The museum would be relocated to 1-3 The Bridge in the town center, a building that cost taxpayers £725,000. No refurbishment costs have been provided for this former drapers store. Conservative leader Councillor Mike Bird stated on BBC Radio WM that "the majority of the ground floor will be leather" while upper floors would accommodate "children and children's services."
Despite significant criticism from local residents, industry experts, historians, and even BBC Repair Shop star Suzie Fletcher, only a small number of the council's 60 current councillors have expressed concerns about the relocation plan.
Detailed Party Statements
Advance UK: "We oppose any relocation that would weaken Walsall's heritage or undermine the town centre. This is a valued cultural asset, not an opportunity for cost-cutting."
Conservatives: "The relocation of the Leather Museum to the new town centre site will be completed as soon as practicable and will be a Walsall Museum facility with other artefacts."
Green Party: "We support the campaign to save the Leather Museum. It isn't just a building – it's part of Walsall's identity. It shouldn't be sidelined as a cost-cutting exercise. Decisions like this should be made by the community, not imposed on the community – and the community has clearly opposed relocating the Leather Museum."
Labour: "We recognise its importance to Walsall's identity and heritage. Any proposals will need to protect that legacy while strengthening our cultural offer and increasing visitor numbers as part of our wider commitment to invest in heritage and civic pride."
Liberal Democrats: "We disagree with the proposed relocation of the Leather Museum because of the damage to its heritage and the lack of proper consultation."
Reform UK: "Reform does not support the re-location of the Leather Museum. Reform will do everything within our power to re-establish the Leather Museum at its current historic location. There are far too many unanswered questions at Walsall Council in relation to land and property deals that need to be re-examined. Reform will conduct a full review, including assessing the legal and financial issues and also other property deals that have been entered into by Walsall Council. Reform do not believe that due process has been followed and the Leather Museum is for the benefit of the people of Walsall."
Walsall Community Independents: "Walsall Community Independents will look at the options available and if possible, will stop the relocation of the museum from the existing building. Our councillors are strongly supportive of the heritage of Walsall and will work to protect that heritage. Walsall Community Independents would look to bring forward a requirement for full council to consider and vote on any major sale, removal, relocation, or closure of a heritage asset in the borough, thereby giving the representatives of the borough the chance to vote on a change."
Election Details
Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on May 7, where voters will have the opportunity to select three candidates in their local ward. Some ward boundaries and polling stations have changed following a recent review by the Local Government Boundary Commission, prompting officials to urge residents to carefully check their polling cards before voting.
