Changes to Walsall’s cabinet as former children’s services lead refused conservative membership

The newly elected leader, Councillor Mike Bird, had already announced the nine-strong line up of councillors each responsible for finances, education, adult social care and more.

But at the time a vacant position remained for children’s services, a major portfolio at the authority.

The last post holder, Councillor Stacie Elson, resigned from the Conservative Group on May 6.

In an email seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Councillor Elson said she resigned after being ‘extremely disappointed’ in the behaviour displayed by the leader at the time, Councillor Garry Perry.

A fortnight later, Councillor Perry resigned from the post, claiming he had been subjected to ‘bullying and hostility’.

Councillor Bird was then voted in as leader on June 10.

Following the change in leadership, Councillor Elson asked to rejoin the Conservative Group but it was rejected by members.

In her request to rejoin, Councillor Elson said it is ‘no secret’ that she is a supporter of Councillor Bird, adding that he was the ‘best leader Walsall has ever had’.

Speaking to the LDRS, Councillor Bird confirmed that the children’s services will now be merged with Councillor Mark Statham’s portfolio, education and skills.

He added that if Councillor Elson had been accepted into the group, then he ‘may’ have appointed the children’s services portfolio to her.

Councillor Bird also confirmed that he will be creating a dedicated area for the council’s enforcement services under Councillor Adam Hicken’s portfolio, safer communities.

It will include all areas of the authority’s enforcement including flytipping, car parking, environmental health, food standards and planning.

Councillor Bird said: “All of the enforcement we do across the borough is fragmented.

“My view is to put it all under Adam Hicken and we’re going to have an enforcement board, to make sure we are putting the force back into enforcement.

“People think it’s acceptable to dump rubbish. Unfortunately we’ve got to educate people and the only way we can do that is if it’s in the pocket.

“We get criticism from the opposition, Mr Reform, not that they know anything about policy, but planning enforcement is a big issue in the borough so we’re going to make sure people are building in accordance with the permission they’ve got.”

The above changes still leave a vacant cabinet position. Councillor Bird said he is in discussion with the existing portfolio holders to see how it can be best filled.

He said: “I’m speaking to my cabinet colleagues to see if we are leaving any gaps anywhere and if we are, we’ve got the flexibility to do something with it.”

Councillor Elson has been approached for comment by the LDRS.