Another Tory quits the party slamming Walsall Council as ‘reckless’

Councillor Sarah-Jane Cooper, ward member for Streetly, announced her resignation on April 8.

She said the ‘difficult’ decision is in response to the ‘reckless’ plan to relocate the Walsall Leather Museum.

Leaders at the council approved the move in September last year, which has since faced fierce opposition.

More recently Councillor Cooper tried to submit a Notice of Motion calling for financial information about the move to be published.

But this was rejected by the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison.

Councillor Cooper said her resignation was also because of concerns about the Aldridge Brownhills Conservative Association.

The local branch has come under fire for its decision to refuse nine existing councillors as candidates in the upcoming all-out elections.

Councillor Cooper will continue to serve the residents of Streetly as an independent until the elections in May.

She said: “It has been a genuine honour and privilege to serve the residents of Walsall for the past 11 years.

“However, after careful thought and reflection I have made the difficult decision to resign from the Conservative Party.

“I no longer feel that the party aligns with my beliefs, values, or priorities.

“Particularly regarding the reckless decision of relocating Walsall’s Leather Museum by the leader and deputy leader.

“To undertake a decision of such scale and importance without bringing the proposal before full council, not only undermines the principles of transparency and collective governance that our residents deserve and expect, but is also a total disregard for our cherished heritage.

“I am also increasingly concerned about the direction the party is taking more broadly and, in particular, the path being followed within the Aldridge Brownhills Association.

“I cannot and will not represent a party whose direction I no longer believe is in the best interests of Walsall residents.

“This has not been any easy decision, but I believe it is right and necessary.

“My commitment to Walsall residents remains unchanged and I will continue to act in their best interests until May 7.”

String of Walsall councillors quit the Conservative Party

Councillor Cooper’s resignation follows a string of councillors quitting the Conservaitve Party because of concerns within the Aldridge Brownhills Conserative Association.

In the last six months, Councillors Vera Waters, Gaz Ali, Amo Hussain, Izzy Hussain, Keith Sears and Suky Samra have all resigned from the group, either partly or wholly because of the candidate selection process.

This time last year the Conservative group had 38 members at Walsall Council.

Today it leads the authority as a minority administration with just 28 members.

The Conservative Party, Aldridge Brownhills Conservative Association, and leader of the council, Mike Bird, have been approached for comment.