Birmingham Green councillor Julien Pritchard is poised to officially assume the council leadership role in two years under coalition plans. The recent local elections saw Labour lose control of Birmingham Council, leading to a new minority administration comprising the Lib Dems, Greens, and independents.
A Vision for a Fairer, Greener City
Councillor Pritchard stated that his party aims to "give Birmingham hope again" by focusing on fairness, green initiatives, and safety. He criticized both Conservative government funding cuts and Labour council mismanagement, vowing to protect services and local spaces.
Recycling and Waste Collection
Regarding the ongoing bins strike, Pritchard emphasized the need for a reliable waste service. He opposed immediate fortnightly collections, instead calling for a well-managed rollout and support for residents to resume recycling habits.
Road Safety and 'War on Pedestrians'
Pritchard advocated for slower speeds on residential roads and better enforcement. He argued that the real conflict is against pedestrians and vulnerable road users, not motorists. He criticized the handling of the Kings Heath Low Traffic Neighbourhood scheme, urging community-led solutions.
Skyscrapers and Development
Pritchard expressed concerns about excessively high tower blocks in the city centre. He called for densification near transport links with buildings of two to four storeys, not skyscrapers, and stressed the need for genuine affordable housing.
Heritage Protection
Pritchard pledged to protect heritage buildings like The Crown and The Electric, and to invest in community facilities such as libraries, youth centres, and parks.
Local Jobs and Small Businesses
He emphasized that council contracts should create real local jobs, not just apprenticeships, and support small businesses across the city.
