'This community deserves better' - Two Walsall councillors resign from Labour Party over £20million government funding row

In 2023, Darlaston was selected as one of 55 towns across the UK to receive £20m government funding as part of the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme.

One of the government’s requirements for the scheme was that a board of decision makers must be formed to decide how the money is spent.

But a long running row has continued over recent months about the makeup of the board.

Councillors Paul and Chris Bott have continually argued that the board should be community-led but they say residents have been ‘side-lined’ instead.

Out of 20 members on the board, three are residents of Darlaston, and two are from local businesses. The remaining members are officers from education, housing, health, West Midlands Police, Walsall Council and political leaders.

The Botts said they have been ‘let down’ by Pat McFadden, the labour MP for Wolverhampton South East which covers Darlaston, and the leader of Walsall labour group, Councillor Matt Ward.

In September Mr McFadden said to the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Decisions on this funding stream should be community-led. We need a board that is broadly representative of the local community.”

During the summer, a labour leaflet sent from the three Darlaston South councillors, the two Botts and Councillor Ward, said: “Your local councillors have long-called for greater community involvement in how public money is spent, and we’re proud to say the community will lead the way. The board overseeing this investment will be community-led.”

Councillor Paul Bott said: “Matt Ward and McFadden both supported the board being community-led. Me and Chris feel like the labour party has let down the people in Darlaston.

“They voted for us and we’re going to support the decision that they run a community-led board.”

Councillor Ward said around three quarters of the board members now have direct links to Darlaston, either living, working or running a business.

Both the Botts have also claimed that there is a lack of diversity on the board, and said there are no resident representatives from Rough Hay, Kings Hill or Moxley.

Councillor Paul Bott said: “There’s not one Muslim, Sikh or Hindu on the board representing the north. I think it’s terrible they’ve let the Asian community down.

“There’s not one resident from Rough Hay, Moxley of Kings Hill. Rough Hay is one of the most deprived areas in the country.”

Manjit Jhooty, the chairman of the board, said: “A number of advisory boards have already been established to ensure community input across all areas.

“These advisory boards are open to everyone in the community, and the sub-group chairs are working hard to encourage involvement from all parts of Darlaston, including Rough Hay, Kings Hill and Moxley.

“We have already received expressions of interest from a number of residents keen to contribute. Our Board and advisory groups come from diverse community backgrounds, and we are fully committed to ensuring that every voice is represented and heard.”

Councillor Chris Bott added: “Me and Paul will fight the cause and we will fight for the residents that this money will be community-led. That’s a strong principle. Anybody that knows me and Paul is that we put the community first.

“This community deserves better. And they’ve got to realise that this community will fight back.

“If that board had run right, Paul would have been on that board. He’s been a councillor for 27 years, and me 18. Paul knows more about the town than anybody.

“We’re not bothered about business people being on there but the majority should have been from the community so they can have a say on what is done in the area.”

The councillors said they have no plans to join any other political party, and will stand as independents in the May 2026 local elections.

Councillor Matt Ward said: “Chris and Paul’s decision is regrettable but our focus remains on delivering for Darlaston.

“The board is community-led with representatives who live, work and own businesses in the area. What matters most is ensuring Darlaston does not miss out on £20 million of investment which will transform the town and improve lives. My focus remains on working with the board to ensure the community benefits.”

In response to the Bott’s resignations, Pat McFadden said: “The Plan for Neighbourhoods in Darlaston offers a real opportunity for positive change in Darlaston.

“The plan must be shaped by the people who know this area best. It’s vital that everyone takes part in the consultation, so it truly reflects the ambitions, and pride in place that define our community.

“This is about giving local people a strong voice in shaping Darlaston’s future. We should all focus on delivering for Darlaston, and I would encourage every resident to complete the survey either by post or online, share their ideas, and have their say.”