At last night’s full council meeting in Walsall, three outgoing Conservative councillors delivered a fierce critique of the town’s leadership, accusing them of running the council with an iron fist and neglecting residents’ needs.
Councillors Suky Samra, Waheed Rasab, and Sarah-Jane Cooper, all stepping down after being deselected by their party, voiced their frustrations openly in what was their final council session.
Councillor Suky Samra did not hold back, stating that “two individuals running the town with an iron fist” — a thinly veiled reference to council leader Mike Bird and deputy leader Adrian Andrew — are responsible for Walsall’s long-standing deprivation and issues.
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Councillor Rasab echoed these sentiments, describing a culture of bullying and intimidation aimed at members who dare to speak out or advocate strongly for residents. He lamented that those who challenge the status quo are suspended, while the silent are rewarded.
Meanwhile, Councillor Sarah-Jane Cooper criticised recent decisions made by the leader and deputy, claiming they have sown doubt rather than confidence in the council’s direction. She highlighted the controversial closure of the Leather Museum as a symbolic blow to the town’s identity and a “clear deliberate choice” that reflects misplaced priorities.
Speaking passionately, Councillor Samra reflected on her eight years representing the Streetly ward. Despite facing personal health challenges recently, she emphasised her unwavering commitment to serve residents and regretted the current political climate, which she described as driven by “self-preservation” and hypocrisy rather than public service.
She urged Walsall residents to vote for change in the upcoming May 7 elections, underscoring that reform is necessary after decades under the same leadership.
Councillor Rasab similarly called on the electorate to reclaim control from those who have governed for 26 years, describing his council experience as the worst of his life due to the oppressive environment.
Councillor Cooper concluded with a pointed critique of council procedures, lamenting that motions she brought forward were repeatedly blocked, and accusing the Mayor of acting as a “gatekeeper of convenience” rather than a neutral arbiter ensuring fairness and accountability.
The trio’s departures come amid a wider purge by the Aldridge Brownhills Conservative Association, which deselected several councillors in an unprecedented move. Some deselected members subsequently joined independent groups or stood down entirely, while others later reversed their decisions to stand as Conservative candidates.
In response, Council Leader Mike Bird defended the democratic nature of the council’s cabinet system, urging critics to “read the book” and reflect on whether they are part of the problem or solution. Despite the heated exchange and audible jeers from the public gallery, he expressed hope that Walsall Council will emerge stronger in the coming financial years.