Green councillors toast party's first ever election victories in Sandwell

The Green Party has secured its first ever election victories in Sandwell following a dramatic shake-up in the borough’s local elections.

Hilary Grandey and John Tipper won two of the three contested seats in the Bearwood ward this week, with Labour’s Jennifer Hemingway retaining the remaining seat.

The result marks a milestone for the Greens in Sandwell, where the party had previously only gained representation through councillors defecting from other parties rather than through victories at the ballot box.

Speaking after the count, newly elected Councillor Grandey said the result reflected strong local support for community-focused politics.

“Our team has worked hard all year round for Bearwood, and we knew on the doorstep that people wanted to look after each other and the environment,” she said. “I would like to thank the voters for giving me the chance to serve you.”

Councillor Tipper said voters had become frustrated with Labour’s direction nationally and were seeking an alternative.

“People could see that the important business of delivering local services was being compromised by Labour’s national lurch to the right,” he said. “We are happy to offer Sandwell people a fight for better equality, justice and sustainability, which we know local people want.”

Despite the celebrations in Bearwood, the election also brought disappointment for the party in Great Bridge, where Green councillor Will Gill lost his seat.

Sandwell Green Party co-ordinator Aldo Mussi praised Gill’s work and expressed confidence about the party’s future.

“Will has been a great, hard-working local councillor, and I’m sure he’ll be back,” he said.

Mr Mussi added that the party had fielded candidates in all 72 seats across Sandwell following a major increase in members and volunteers.

“Most Sandwell people want to see more fairness and unity,” he said. “With so many disillusioned ex-Labour voters coming over to us, we are the positive alternative for Sandwell, and the answer to the threat from Reform.”