Birmingham faces a pivotal local election on May 7, 2026, as voters decide control of the city council. Hundreds of candidates compete for 101 seats, transforming the contest into a multi-party race involving Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, Greens, and independents. Reform UK contests every seat amid national polling leads.
Bustling Contests Across the City
Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, one of the largest parish councils with a budget exceeding £2 million, draws nearly 90 candidates for 24 seats, promising fierce competition.
New Frankley Parish Council: A Predictable Outcome
In contrast, the New Frankley in Birmingham Parish Council election features exactly 12 candidates for 12 available seats. Eight incumbents seek re-election: Susan Baker, Susan Bradley, Linda Coates, Alarra Cowie, Philip Johnston, Marion Kenyon, Kate Strachan, and current chair Jo Walker. Newcomers include Curtis Brittain, Adam Fitzgerald, Tony Hill, and Andrew Smith.
No party affiliations appear on the statement of persons nominated. A Birmingham City Council spokesperson confirmed: “Yes, there are 12 candidates for 12 seats on Frankley Parish Council. Election candidates can choose to provide a description of up to six words on the Statement of Persons Nominated. Therefore, this will be blank if they have decided not to include any such wording on their nomination form.”
While city council and Sutton Coldfield races offer wide choices and intense battles, the New Frankley vote appears decided before ballots are cast.
