Sandwell's ruling Labour party attack Reform as local election battle begins
The battle for Sandwell in this May's all out elections has begun with long-running ruling party Labour warning voters Reform will cause 'chaos' if they win.
Labour has controlled Sandwell Council since its inception in 1974 but national opinion polls show they are under pressure on the right from Reform and on the left from the Green Party.
All three are fielding a full slate of candidates but Labour Council Leader Councillor Kerrie Carmichael issued a broadside against Reform.
She said: "There is a clear choice for voters this election: continued progress with Labour or the risk of chaos and going backwards under Reform.
"Under Labour, Sandwell Council has built a strong record of delivery - from some of the best-maintained roads in the country and top green-rated pothole repairs, to cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods and major investment in parks and leisure."
She added: "Millions of pounds have been invested in local green spaces, with upgrades to parks and play areas across the borough, 16 parks achieving Green Flag status, and the creation of Sandwell’s first new public park in over 40 years.
"At the same time, Labour has maintained the lowest council tax rate in the West Midlands while continuing to invest in vital local services."
The Blackheath Councillor, who has led the council since 2021 ending a merry-go round of leaders in the previous five years, also pointed to regenerating the high street in Oldbury, creating a new Skills Centre in Rowley Regis and bringing life back to local centres like Wednesbury.
Labour is transforming our town centres with better spaces, stronger local economies and new opportunities for residents, she said.
This includes major long-term Pride in Place investment in Smethwick, Friar Park and Tividale - £60 million over the next 10 years with local communities given the power to shape how the money is spent.
She said: "This is all at risk because Reform UK cannot be trusted to run local services, arguing they offer no real plan."
Old Warley Reform candidate Connor Marshall believes change is coming in Sandwell.
He said: "We have very positive responses on the door, it is clear what the people of Old Warley want this May 7, they want Reform.
"People are very unhappy with the local Labour Party especially after their recent tax increase of 4.99 per cent. We will make it our mission to decrease your tax."
He added: "The silly bin issue must go too! We must return to normality and stop this chaos."
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