Reform has pledged to issue a public open letter addressing the serious legal and governance failures alleged in the campaign surrounding Walsall Leather Museum.
Linda Boys, lead campaigner, has called for a thorough review into the issues that arose during the Conservative administration’s efforts to relocate the museum.
Before the local elections in May, Walsall Leather Museum, located on Littleton Street West, was closed and gutted in preparation for Walsall College to introduce its SEND provision to the site. The Grade II Listed building’s lease was signed over to Walsall College by the council just two days before Reform assumed control of Walsall Council.
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Mrs Boys has been a consistent presence at council meetings throughout the relocation saga, raising concerns about the council’s decision-making process.
Following the elections, Reform immediately halted the relocation and subsequently overturned the Conservative plans at the cabinet meeting.
At the full council meeting on 28 September, Mrs Boys urged the council leader to investigate the officers and councillors involved, citing “avoidable legal, financial and reputational risks” to the council, and to report any findings back to full council.
She also requested that within 20 working days, the council publish a timetable for the earliest possible reinstatement of the Leather Museum, alongside details on securing alternative SEND provision.
Mrs Boys stated: “We have serious concerns about earlier legal and governance failures. In brief, the previous administration exceeded its authority.
“The council and public received poor advice, resulting in a contract with Walsall College that did not protect against an anticipated change in administration, potentially leaving the council vulnerable to a breach of contract claim.
“If left unchallenged, these failures undermine proper procedure and deny democratic rights - both of the public and of every councillor in this chamber.
“Why was the council given unreliable advice? This situation exposes us all to avoidable legal, financial, and reputational risks with possible consequences for everyone in the borough.
“If these issues are not addressed promptly, they will recur. The public should not have to identify these risks; this chamber should already be scrutinising what went wrong.
“The public deserves clear answers. This is not a favour, but our democratic right. We welcome a full open report into the matter.”
Council leader Councillor Elaine Williams responded, confirming she will provide a written reply and has authorised its publication.