Reform UK has completed its first 100 days in control of Walsall Council, a period marked by significant policy changes, financial savings, and a series of controversies that have reshaped the borough's political landscape. The group swept to power on May 8 with a massive majority, ending decades of Conservative rule, and has since implemented several key promises while facing criticism from opposition parties.
Election Landslide and Immediate Changes
The May 8 elections saw Reform win 40 seats, leaving the Conservatives with 10, Walsall Community Independents with eight, Labour with one, and one independent councillor. Many long-serving councillors lost their seats, including former Conservative leader Mike Bird, who described the result as the 'worst ever'. Since then, two Reform councillors have left the party: Robin Perry, who quit over allegations of discrimination less than a fortnight after the elections, and Bella Simon, who left without giving a reason.
In her first media interview after the elections, Reform leader Councillor Elaine Williams announced that £109,000 of taxpayers' money had been saved within the first month. The savings came from reducing cabinet members from ten to seven, cutting one committee, and downsizing the mayoral welcome party.
Net Zero and National Anthem Decisions
Councillor Williams also voiced opposition to net zero policies, claiming Walsall Council had spent £23.462 million 'in pursuit of net zero'. At the most recent council meeting, the council scrapped its 2019 climate emergency declaration and approved the singing of the National Anthem before meetings. Opposition leader Councillor Adrian Andrew requested a breakdown of the alleged £23.462 million spending, but it is understood this has not yet been provided.
Leather Museum and Planning Overhaul
One of Reform's key pre-election promises was reopening Walsall Leather Museum at its original home on Littleton Street West. The previous Conservative administration had closed the attraction, planning to relocate it to 1-3 The Bridge and give the building to Walsall College for SEND provision. At its second cabinet meeting, Reform voted to scrap those plans and negotiate the surrender of the lease with the college.
Reform also vowed to 'overhaul planning', extend garden waste collections into December, strengthen enforcement, and protect the green belt. The planning committee has been 'overhauled' following peer review recommendations, and the extension of brown waste collections could come into force in 2027, though this is unconfirmed. Litter fixed penalty notices have increased by 62 per cent over the last three months, according to enforcement boss Councillor Ian Benton, though he was unsure whether fines would rise overall compared to the Tories. The final draft of the Walsall Borough Local Plan, which will detail green belt sites for housing, is due to be published shortly.
Veterans Support and Controversies
Reform promised increased support for veterans, and a new Walsall Armed Forces Hub is scheduled to launch in September at Walsall Library. However, the group drew criticism for breaking tradition by not selecting one of the longest-serving councillors as Mayor, instead choosing newly elected member Councillor Alan Fleming.
The most contentious issue has been the Reedswood School project. The Department for Education scheme would flatten 13.7 acres of woodland for a 1,000-place school, accessed via the congested Reedswood Lane. Walsall Community Independents sought Reform's position, given their pre-election opposition. However, half of the cabinet, including the leader and deputy leader, walked out during the item, following advice from the council's monitoring officer that members with 'relevant interests must keep an open mind' as a live planning application awaits determination. The only statement came from Councillor Lisa Jones, portfolio holder for children, education and skills, who said a 'decision will be announced in due course'.
As Reform enters its next phase, 13 of its councillors, including the leader, face re-election in just eight months. The council is currently in recess for August, with political decision-making resuming next month.
