Former Walsall Council leader Garry Perry to stand down as councillor
The former leader of Walsall Council will officially step down from public office in August.
Councillor Garry Perry, ward councillor for Pelsall and the former leader of Walsall Council, has announced that he will leave public office on Monday (August 4).
In an email sent to the Express & Star, the former council leader said that there was "little point" in continuing in a system that has "become increasingly tone deaf to challenge".
Councillor Perry stood down as leader on May 21.
Announcing his resignation, Councillor Perry said: "After deep reflection, I have made the decision to stand down from public office effective from August 4, 2025.
"There is little point in continuing within a system that has become increasingly tone deaf to challenge."
Over the course of his tenure on Walsall Council, Councillor Perry focused on addressing homelessness in the region, developing the Resilient Communities model, and supporting the Walsall Community Association, as well as various youth services.
The councillor said: "Since first being elected in 1998, I have served the people of Pelsall with one constant priority: putting them first. I remain incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and to everyone who placed their trust in me – thank you.
"To my colleagues, Councillors Rose Martin and Edward Lee, you are dedicated and principled local councillors, and I offer you my full support and counsel as you continue serving with integrity."
In the letter, he added that he "still believes" in public service, and that "championing those who work behind the scenes" has been the most fulfilling aspect of his career.
He said: "I still believe in public service and in the difference good people can make. Across Walsall, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside individuals and communities who give back quietly, selflessly, and without recognition.
"Helping to develop the Resilient Communities model and championing those who serve behind the scenes has been among the most fulfilling aspects of my time in office."
He said that politics, both nationally and locally, is in need of urgent repair.
He said: "Politics – both local and national – is in urgent need of repair. Yet, I have been privileged to work alongside exceptional public servants and officers who, often quietly and without recognition, do their utmost for residents despite a thankless and sometimes oppressive political culture.
"I also recognise that there remain decent representatives across all political persuasions who genuinely strive to serve their communities, and to them I offer my sincere best wishes as they continue this important work."
The former leader said that he hopes that those who remain on the council "will remember why they sought office in the first place", and that he remains 'Pelsall at heart'.
He ended: "Sometimes, the most principled act is to step away. I do so with no bitterness – only hope; hope that those who remain, and those who come next, will remember why they sought office in the first place – to serve."
The councillor was first elected in 1998.
