Reform take control of Sandwell Council in historic win
Labour, which has run Sandwell Council consecutively since 1979, was left with 28 seats having started the day on 60.
Last updated 9th May 2026
Reform has taken control of Sandwell Council in an historic win that has seen Labour lose grip of an authority it has held for nearly 50 years.
Reform won 41 seats on Sandwell Council after voters went to the polls on Thursday (May 7) surpassing the 37 needed for a majority with Labour more than halving the number of seats it held.
Labour, which has run Sandwell Council consecutively since 1979, was left with 28 seats having started the day on 60.
Reform, which had not held any seats on Sandwell Council previously, took clean sweeps in Blackheath, Hill Top, Langley, Cradley Heath and Old Hill, Wednesbury, Great Bridge, Rowley, Prince’s End, Langley, Friar Park and Stone Cross and Charlemont and Grove Vale picking up three councillors in each ward as Labour strongholds toppled across the borough.
Reform leader Ray Nock, who was elected in the Charlemont and Grove Vale ward, said he “felt euphoric” after taking control of the council.
“It’s wonderful,” he added. “All of my plans have come to fruition. I wish we could have done a little bit better but we’ve done okay, we’ve taken control of the council and what more can I say.”
He said the borough had been “betrayed” by Labour and the Conservatives which had led to many voting Reform.
“I know how bad the damage is at Sandwell Council and we know there’s a massive hole in the finances but I don’t know what it is yet.”
Outgoing leader Kerrie Carmichael, who was ousted from her Blackheath seat by Reform, said: “I feel really disappointed for myself because I’ve lost my seat and really disappointed for my colleagues who have worked really hard to turn this council around.
“It doesn’t feel right that we’ve lost but unfortunately national politics have played a part in this. This has been treated like a general election if you like.”
Labour picked up clean sweeps in Smethwick, West Bromwich Central, Soho and Victoria, Oldbury, St Pauls and Greets Green and Lyng.
Labour won two seats in each of the Hateley Heath, Great Barr, Tamebridge and Yew Tree and Newton and Valley wards with Reform picking up a seat in each. Reform won two seats in Tipton Green, Old Warley and Bristnall.
There were also two wins for the Green Party in Bearwood and independent candidate Richard Jeffcoat was re-elected in Tipton Green.
The Conservatives, who had four seats, were completely wiped out and left with no representaiton on the council.
An ‘all out’ election was held due to boundary changes but the council will return to electing councillors by thirds – with the next elections taking place in 2027, 2028 and 2030.
Three candidates were elected in each ward with the candidate receiving the most votes serving a four-year term, those in second place serving two years and those in third serving just a one-year term.