Labour sets sights on Walsall Council control

Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham was in Moxley, Walsall, to back his party's attempt to end the control of a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition and said he was confident it would happen, despite the threat from Ukip.

He also raised concerns over the possible closure of Cannock's Minor Injuries Unit, which he said would put pressure on surrounding hospitals, including Walsall Manor.

Mr Burnham said the possible closure 'makes no sense'.

Labour is the largest party on Walsall Council with 28 seats but was kept in opposition in 2012 because the controlling Tories, who were reduced to 24 councillors, went into coalition with the five Liberal Democrats. Two independents and one Democratic Labour councillor hold the balance of power and would not back either of the biggest parties' bids for control.

Walsall is the last Black Country borough council not in Labour control. In 2010 Wolverhampton, Walsall and Dudley were all run by the Tories. Sandwell is the only one that has stayed solidly Labour for decades.

Labour's manifesto for Walsall includes a pledge to create apprenticeships for young people, buy from local firms, cut councillors' allowances by 30 per cent, cut the number of senior managers, provide more affordable housing and give pay rises to council staff on the minimum wage, paying them the so-called 'living wage' of at least £7.65 an hour.

The promise comes despite £21 million worth of cuts being made over the next financial year and Councillor Sean Coughlan, Labour's deputy leader in Walsall, stressed it had been costed and could be afforded.

The elections are on May 22, the same day as the European elections.

But Mr Burnham said he did not believe the current polling performance of Eurosceptic party Ukip would derail Labour's bid to take control in Walsall.

"They don't concern me as a party but what does concern me are their policies," he said. "They have a plan to privatise the National Health Service. How many people in Walsall know about that?"

He also told the Express & Star he was concerned that plans to shut Cannock Hospital's minor injuries unit would shift the burden on to accident and emergency departments such as the one at Walsall Manor Hospital.