Former Dudley councillor and community activist returns to the Tories
A former Dudley Conservative councillor and community activist has returned to the Tories praising their ‘humility to listen’.
Shaz Saleem, a High Sheriff Award winner for his community work, was elected as a Conservative councillor for the Kingswinford and Wall Heath ward in 2021 and a year later became cabinet member for highways and public realm.
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In February 2023 Mr Saleem was suspended from the party and left his cabinet post but continued as an independent councillor.
Speaking as he announced his return to the Conservatives, Mr Saleem said: “What matters most to me is representing a party that puts people first and has the community at its heart. One party has consistently stood out.
“The green belt and parking are hugely important to me as I campaigned strongly for both.
“The vision for the ice rink is getting closer which will boost revenue for our town, recent investment into potholes is another big one.
“Leadership is about making tough calls — and having the humility to listen and act when people speak. That’s exactly what we’ve seen.”
Mr Saleem, who defected from Labour to the Conservatives in 2017, stood as an independent candidate in the all-out 2024 Dudley Council elections but came fourth, losing to three Conservative candidates.
He also stood as an independent candidate in the Kingswinford and South Staffordshire constituency in the last general election where he came last.
His return to politics follows a difficult time. In February 2023 Mr Saleem was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
He described the incident as ‘politically motivated’ and, after an investigation, no further police action was taken.
Speaking after his arrest, Mr Saleem told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I can’t go into the investigation too much but in life we face obstacles and experiences we don’t expect to face, that come as a complete shock and out of nowhere.
“I have faith in the justice system, and I will await the outcome. I fully appreciate that readers will be interested and they have every right to know what is going on.
“As a public servant, I am at their mercy. I have no qualms with that, but what must be minded is that we must let the investigation conclude its result before we make any judgement.”
After the allegations were dismissed he said: ”It has been painful and exhausting.
“It’s hard when deep down you know you have not done anything wrong.
“It drains you. But now I am ready to go out there and do what I do best, supporting my charity and my local residents.”
He stood trial in March 2025 after pleading not guilty to two counts of sending offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing messages over a public communication network.
Mr Saleem denied the charges and at his trial the District Judge found him not guilty and described the quality of the recording of the messages ‘appalling’.
Mr Saleem says he is not planning to stand in the 2026 election but will be on hand to support other candidates.
Cllr Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley’s Conservatives, said: “Shaz is renowned as a prolific community campaigner.
“His help in the local election campaign will be much appreciated. I look forward to working alongside him once again.”
