Council chairman considers position after suspension

The leader of Walsall City Council has said he is “reconsidering” his post after being suspended by the Conservative Party.

Mike Bird is subject to a three-month suspension pending a disciplinary investigation.

Despite calls for his resignation, he currently remains head of the authority with the support of the majority of Conservative councillors.

A Conservative Party spokesman said the suspension process was confidential.

“The Conservative Party has an established code of conduct and formal processes through which complaints can be made in confidence,” the spokesman said.

Mr Bird told the BBC that allegations of racism made against him by another councillor had been rejected by the investigation.

“I was accused of racism, which was 100% denied. I am not a racist at all. Unfortunately, if the racism card is on the table and you do not defend yourself, you are automatically considered a racist.”

“Two scenarios”

Mr Bird has served as head of the agency for three terms since 2009, most recently from May 2018 to the present.

Following the local elections on 2 May, the Conservatives continue to control the council.

Several councillors, both Labour and Conservative, called on Mr Bird to resign for the duration of the investigation.

He had previously stated that he was confident that he would be able to continue in this role.

However, he told the BBC this week that he was reconsidering his decision ahead of a full council meeting on June 3.

“There are two scenarios here. One is a vote of no confidence, which I don’t think will happen. Or I could consider resigning of my own accord. I’m still considering that position,” he said.

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