As Solihull prepares for its local elections on May 4, all council seats are up for grabs, and voters face a crucial decision. Councillor Karen Grinsell, leader of the Solihull Council Conservatives and head of a majority administration for the past year, shares her vision for the borough’s future and reasons why voters should stick with the Conservatives.
When asked about her priorities if re-elected, Councillor Grinsell emphasized a commitment to “protect what works and plan for the future.” She outlined plans to deliver a robust local plan by year’s end, emphasizing infrastructure-led development to ensure new homes come with adequate roads, schools, and healthcare services. Key regeneration projects in Mell Square, Kingshurst, and Arden Cross will also advance under her leadership.
Improving already strong children’s services and adult social care to ‘outstanding’ status remains a top commitment, building on positive assessments from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission. Grinsell also pledged to safeguard neighbourhoods through licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), fight against unscrupulous ‘phoenix shops,’ and renew the campaign for a special education needs and disabilities school, previously cancelled.
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On Solihull’s finances, the Conservative leader stressed the council’s stable financial footing, with a balanced budget planned through 2026/27. “We spend less per resident than most West Midlands councils while maintaining high-quality services,” she said, highlighting that the Conservative party is the only one to have presented a credible budget plan locally. While acknowledging pressures in social care, Grinsell reiterated a disciplined approach focused on efficiency, service protection, and considering council tax increases only as a last resort.
When questioned about coalition possibilities, she declared the party’s goal is a clear Conservative majority to ensure stable leadership, declining to entertain alliances.
Feedback from residents during canvassing reveals a strong desire to maintain reliable public services, clean streets, and strong communities. Grinsell warned that voters face a stark choice: continue with a stable council that keeps taxes low and delivers quality services or risk instability and chaos, citing negative examples from neighbouring areas where other parties' leadership led to higher costs and uncertainty.
Her message to undecided voters is clear: “Solihull’s success as one of the best places to live, with excellent schools, green spaces, and a thriving economy, results from consistent Conservative leadership. To keep Solihull safe, successful, and well-run, the best choice is to vote Conservative.”