Welcome to Birmingham’s ICC where the eyes of the political world are watching for one result – who will be the next mayor of the West Midlands?
It’s a contest that’s taken on huge significance during these local elections 2024, with the Conservatives performing badly across the region and country but hoping their totemic favourite Andy Street can give them a vital fillip. Street, bidding for his third term, is up against Richard Parker for Labour in what pollsters had claimed would be a very tight call.
But Labour sources have spent the past 24 hours talking down their expectations, amid claims that their vote in inner city Muslim majority Birmingham areas has been badly hurt by the Gaza crisis backlash against the party and their leader Sir Keir Starmer. Feisty independent campaigner Akhmed Yakoob has made a big impression and could end up snatching third place.
READ MORE: Local elections 2024 live results across West Midlands
Also in the running are Elaine Williams, ReformUK, Siobhan Harper-Nunes, Greens, and Sunny Virk, Lib Dems. We will be bringing you live interviews all day with the candidates and their teams as they await the final result later.
There’s another, less celebrated election race on the line too. Electors were also asked to choose on Thursday (May 2) between Labour’s Simon Foster and Conservatives’ Tom Byrne in the fight to be the next Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands. It’s a hugely important role that oversees a police service in special measures.
Follow our live blog all morning as we bring you all the drama inside the hall and remind you of the outcomes from yesterday’s local election results in Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Solihull, Worcester, Redditch and more.
10:14Jayne Thomson
Great day in Birmingham
This is the beautiful busy Centenary Square outside the ICC this morning where the count is taking place.
The city park run is also about to get under way from here. There’s music, laughter and sunshine. Who is going to smile later? You’ve already decided…we will bring you the results soon
10:03Jayne Thomson
‘Reputations and jobs are on the line today’
Birmingham local democracy reporter Alexander Brock is also here, between us we hope we can bring you every spit and cough of a day that political geeks like us live for. Reputations and jobs are on the line today, in the most public forum imaginable
10:00Jayne Thomson
Labour maintained iron grip on Wolverhampton
Let’s start with a look back at the drama from yesterday’s council elections. Labour maintained its iron grip on Wolverhampton City Council as there were no surprises at the local elections. The city has long been a Labour stronghold and that was never likely to change with the Conservatives lagging in the polls after 14 years in Government. Full story here:
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
