Walsall Council appoints new leader following Conservative Party suspension of Mike Bird

On Monday, June 3, an extraordinary meeting of the entire Council will be held solely for the purpose of electing a new Supremo to fill the vacancy.

Councillor Garry Perry, who was elected leader of the Walsall Conservative group, is expected to be chosen as the new head of the authority at the meeting.

Councillor Perry, who has represented Pelsall since he was first elected in 1998, said he would lead the Tory group with “integrity and dedication” and build on the successes it has achieved.

He added that he would name his cabinet depending on the outcome of the June 3 meeting and whether he succeeds in becoming head of the agency.

During his tenure, Councillor Perry has held a number of high-level positions, including his current post as Deputy Director of Resilient Communities, and served as Mayor of the Borough in 2011.

Councillor Perry said: “It has undoubtedly been a challenging few weeks, particularly following a series of brilliant local election results which bucked the national trend and highlighted our remarkable achievements.

“In my address to the Conservative Group I outlined my leadership plan, which I will make public in due course.

“I am deeply honored to receive such strong support from the group. It is incredibly gratifying to know that my colleagues have confidence in my leadership.

“This confirmation motivates me even more to work hard and cooperatively to achieve our common goals.

“I look forward to leading with integrity and dedication to ensure our continued success.”

Councillor Bird was suspended from the party for three months and, following a disciplinary investigation, was given a further 12-month ban from holding leadership positions within the party. He has appealed the decision.

Councillor Suky Samra was also suspended by the Conservatives following the same investigation, but has been sitting on the council as an independent since March last year.

Subsequently, the majority of the group’s members supported the formation of the Conservative and Independent Group, with Councillor Bird remaining at the helm.

However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service is aware that the Conservative Party has received complaints, as a result of which members have been warned by email that they have been accused of breaching the Code of Conduct.

The first full council of the new council year this week confirmed the political groups represented on the authority, with Councillor Perry leading the Conservatives.