{"id":946441,"date":"2026-05-08T16:33:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T16:33:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/946441\/"},"modified":"2026-05-08T16:33:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T16:33:15","slug":"live-greens-take-their-first-seats-with-three-wards-to-go","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/946441\/","title":{"rendered":"LIVE &#8211; Greens take their first seats with three wards to go"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\tShirley South \u2013 GREEN HOLD<\/p>\n<p>And it is good news for the Greens who take their first seats on the council, former Mayor Shahin Ashraf came in at 1,806 just behind group leader Max McLoughlin on 1,895.<\/p>\n<p>Reform and the Conservatives come a close second, with similar numbers for each councillor. Labour look set to have no presence in the borough.<\/p>\n<p>The Tories now need four councillors for a majority.<\/p>\n<p>Full result<\/p>\n<p><strong>Shahin Ashraf \u2013 Green \u2013 1,806 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Stewart Blunt \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,436<\/p>\n<p>Joanne Brown \u2013 Lab \u2013 235<\/p>\n<p>Simon Burke \u2013 Con \u2013 1,329<\/p>\n<p>Jane Carthew \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 259<\/p>\n<p>Dipesh Chauhan \u2013 Con \u2013 1,128<\/p>\n<p>Christopher Dean \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,375<\/p>\n<p>Stuart Hedley \u2013 Lab \u2013 168<\/p>\n<p>Jill Ketley \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 204<\/p>\n<p><strong>Max McLoughlin \u2013 Green leader \u2013 1,895 \u2013 ELECTED\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Daniel Morris \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,300<\/p>\n<p>Howard Nichols \u2013 Con \u2013 1,226<\/p>\n<p>Kevin Raven \u2013 Lab \u2013 168<\/p>\n<p><strong>Alan Wigley \u2013 Green \u2013 1,689 \u2013 ELECTED\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Balsall and Berkswell \u2013 CON HOLD<\/p>\n<p>Another Conservative hold, that puts them well ahead with 22 seats. Reform could still take the council but they would have to win every seat in the remaining four ward.<\/p>\n<p>Greens and Labour are trailing behind now will still no councillors elected, the Lib Dems are holding strong on three,<\/p>\n<p>Full results<\/p>\n<p><strong>Terry Baker \u2013 Con \u2013 1,797 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Trevor Barker \u2013 Green \u2013 550<\/p>\n<p>Margaret Brittin \u2013 Lab \u2013 362<\/p>\n<p>Bob Carleton \u2013 Lib Dems \u2013 594<\/p>\n<p><strong>Heather Delaney \u2013 Con \u2013 2,264 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tj Desai \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 685<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tony Dicicco \u2013 Con \u2013 1,944 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Anna Gretton \u2013 Lab \u2013 344<\/p>\n<p>Matthew Stephens \u2013 Lab \u2013 229<\/p>\n<p>Garry Taylor \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 788<\/p>\n<p>Steve Thomson \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 757<\/p>\n<p>Silhill \u2013 CON HOLD<\/p>\n<p>Another hold for the Conservatives as they seem to be making a comeback.\u00a0Bad news for Reform as local party leader Michael Gough loses his seat.<\/p>\n<p>The same story for the Greens and Labour who are not having a good day, they haven\u2019t manage to hold onto a single seat, and with five ward left, they might becoming concerned.<\/p>\n<p>Full results<\/p>\n<p><strong>Hitesh Bikumalla \u2013 Con \u2013 2,209 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Nicola Cadet De Fontenay \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 763<\/p>\n<p>Michael Gough \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1427<\/p>\n<p>James Henry \u2013 Green Party \u2013 661<\/p>\n<p>Janet Marsh \u2013 Labour \u2013 376<\/p>\n<p>Emma Marshall \u2013 Green \u2013 648<\/p>\n<p>Gayle Monk \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 676<\/p>\n<p><strong>Josh O\u2019Nyons \u2013 Con \u2013 2,226 \u2013 ELECTED\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Bhavan Pemmaiah \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,140<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wazma Qais \u2013 Con \u00a0\u2013 1,963 \u2013 ELECTED\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Rosemary Sexton \u2013 Green \u2013 594<\/p>\n<p>Nick Stephens \u2013 Lab \u2013 326<\/p>\n<p>Patsy Stone \u2013 Lab \u2013 264<\/p>\n<p>Paul Thompson \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,254<\/p>\n<p>Terry Whitehead \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 643<\/p>\n<p>Knowle \u2013 CON HOLD<\/p>\n<p>The Conservatives trundle ahead as they keep a firm grasp on Knowle, Reform UK come in with the next biggest share of the vote with Labour trailing behind, in a trend we have seen for most of the wards.<\/p>\n<p>It will be a tough call to see if the Tories will be able to keep hold of the council, and we might be seeing a no overall control.<\/p>\n<p>Currently we have 16 Conservatives, 14 Reform UK and three Lib Dems. We have heard from 11 wards with six left to declare.<\/p>\n<p>Full results<\/p>\n<p><strong>Yvonne Clements \u2013 Con \u2013 2,667 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>John Dillon \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 951<\/p>\n<p>Amy Donohoe-Brown \u2013 Green \u2013 541<\/p>\n<p>Steven Egan \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 900<\/p>\n<p>Roy England \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 907<\/p>\n<p><strong>Edward Fitter \u2013 Con \u2013 2,580 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Roger Halford \u2013 Green \u2013 484<\/p>\n<p>Janet Hall \u2013 Lab \u2013 254<\/p>\n<p>Lionel King \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 384<\/p>\n<p>James McLoughlin \u2013 Lab \u2013 212<\/p>\n<p>Katy Moxley \u2013 Green \u2013 493<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dave Pinwell \u2013 Con \u2013 2, 678 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Matt Purssell \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 269<\/p>\n<p>Zachary Stanier \u2013 Lab \u2013 174<\/p>\n<p>Olton \u2013 LIB DEM HOLD AND CON GAIN<\/p>\n<p>We are switching things up again now with the Lib Dems having a run of success, both current councillors held onto their seats, with the Tories hot on their tails.<\/p>\n<p>Full results<\/p>\n<p>David Berg \u2013 Lab \u2013 342<\/p>\n<p>Lachhman Singh \u2013 Con \u2013 1, 576<\/p>\n<p><strong>James Bradley \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 1,814<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Michael Carthew \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 1, 714<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Karima Chaouch \u2013 Ind \u2013 169<\/p>\n<p>Peter Dixon \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,142<\/p>\n<p>Richard Evans \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 1, 323<\/p>\n<p>Simon Hawker \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1, 069<\/p>\n<p>Jane Holt \u2013 Green \u2013 601<\/p>\n<p>David James \u2013 Green \u2013 468<\/p>\n<p>Ian Jamieson \u2013 Lab \u2013 220<\/p>\n<p><strong>James Johnson \u2013 Con \u2013 1, 669 \u2013 ELECTED\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>James Murray \u2013 Reform \u2013 1,034<\/p>\n<p>Sarah Shah \u2013 Lab \u2013 231<\/p>\n<p>Easwar Vivekanandan \u2013 Green \u2013 433<\/p>\n<p>Wasim Zaman \u2013 Con \u2013 1, 339<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Elmdon \u2013 REFORM UK GAIN<\/p>\n<p>It is getting interesting as the Lib Dems hold onto their first seat of the day, with Laura McCarthy getting the highest number of votes on 1,585.<\/p>\n<p>She is followed by Reform\u2019s Eleonora Gough and Robert Johnson on 1,498 and 1,475 respectively.<\/p>\n<p>That leaves us with 14 Reform, 12 Conservative and one Lib Dem.<\/p>\n<p>Full results<\/p>\n<p>Rachel Braeburne \u2013 Lab \u2013 201<\/p>\n<p>Ian English \u2013 Lab \u2013 206<\/p>\n<p><strong>Eleonora Gough \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,498 \u2013 ELECTED\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Sandra Green \u2013 Con \u2013 791<\/p>\n<p>Georgina Hartland \u2013 Con \u2013 749<\/p>\n<p>Stephen Holt \u2013 Green \u2013 345<\/p>\n<p><strong>Robert Johnson \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,475 \u2013 ELECTED\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Kate Jones \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 1,330<\/p>\n<p>Seren Jones \u2013 Green \u2013 312<\/p>\n<p>Paul Maguire \u2013 Lab \u2013 166<\/p>\n<p>Richard Marshall \u2013 Green \u2013 294<\/p>\n<p>Pav Matharu \u2013 Con \u2013 635<\/p>\n<p><strong>Laura McCarthy \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 1,585 \u2013 ELECTED\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Michael Ward \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 1,244<\/p>\n<p>Michael Welsh \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,360<\/p>\n<p>Castle Bromwich \u2013 REFORM UK GAIN<\/p>\n<p>Another gain for Reform, and that puts the council makeup as 12 for 12 to Reform and Conservatives.<\/p>\n<p>Deputy Mayor Martin McCarthy lost his seat, with Reform taking their biggest share of the votes so far.<\/p>\n<p>Full results<\/p>\n<p>Kashif Ahmed \u2013 Lab \u2013 360<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jamie Campbell \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 2,181<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Lee Dicken \u2013 Lab \u2013 342<\/p>\n<p>Bernie Donnelly \u2013 Con \u2013 1,066<\/p>\n<p>Samuel Enthrone \u2013 Lab \u2013 315<\/p>\n<p><strong>Alan Feeney \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 2,376<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Leslie Kaye \u2013 Con \u2013 CURRENT \u2013 1, 053<\/p>\n<p>Peter Lee \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 217<\/p>\n<p>Anthony Lowe \u2013 Greens \u2013 538<\/p>\n<p>Martin McCarthy \u2013 Con \u2013 1,097<\/p>\n<p><strong>Chris Whelan \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 2,089<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Shirley East and Sharmans Cross \u2013 CON HOLD<\/p>\n<p>Another hold for the Tories as Leader of the Council Karen Grinsell and Borough Mayor hold their seats.<\/p>\n<p>I think this was not a surprise for anyone. Reform again are coming in second to the Tories, but not quite enough to wrestle any seats off them.<\/p>\n<p>We now sit at 12 Conservatives and 9 Reform UK.<\/p>\n<p>Full results<\/p>\n<p>Peter Byrne \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,118<\/p>\n<p>John Dufficy \u2013 Lab \u2013 416<\/p>\n<p>Srini Eaga \u2013 Green \u2013 883<\/p>\n<p>Roger Gemmell \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 559<\/p>\n<p><strong>Karen Grinsell \u2013 Con \u00a0\u2013 2,748 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Anthony Howe \u2013 Con \u2013 360<\/p>\n<p><strong>Annette Mackenzie \u2013 Con \u2013 2,635 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Kushi Maddikunta \u2013 Green \u2013 760<\/p>\n<p>Afzal Mirza \u2013 Lab \u2013 300<\/p>\n<p>Jane Paradine \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 993<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mark Parker \u2013 Con 2, 481 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Mark Pearson \u2013 Green \u2013 848<\/p>\n<p>Charles Robinson \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 549<\/p>\n<p>Richard Whitehouse \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 973<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Fordbridge \u2013 REFORM UK GAIN<\/p>\n<p>Back to Reform again as they make more gain off the Tories.<\/p>\n<p>Greens not doing as well in this ward, with the Conservatives level pegging.<\/p>\n<p>Full results<\/p>\n<p>Jacov Beardmore \u2013 Con \u00a0\u2013 361<\/p>\n<p>Henry Bodle \u2013 Green \u00a0\u2013 437<\/p>\n<p>David Cole \u2013 Con \u00a0\u2013 470<\/p>\n<p>Sam Flint \u2013 Green \u2013 416<\/p>\n<p><strong>Samantha Gethen \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1, 441 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Paul Goldingay \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1, 452 \u2013 ELECTED\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Kamren Grant \u2013 Con \u2013 314<\/p>\n<p>Ken Harrop \u2013 Lab \u2013 219<\/p>\n<p>Tony Ludlow \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 149<\/p>\n<p>Jackie Moore \u2013 Lab \u2013 247<\/p>\n<p><strong>Den O\u2019Neil \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1326 \u00a0\u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Anthony Sangha \u2013 Lab \u2013 176<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Blythe \u2013 CON HOLD<\/p>\n<p>The Conservatives are flying now, with another hold. Reform are putting up a good fight, and we\u2019re seeing a big gain from them today.<\/p>\n<p>Labour and the Lib Dems are having a tough afternoon with currently no councillors holding onto their seats.<\/p>\n<p>Full results<\/p>\n<p>Ham Choudry \u2013 Lab \u2013 335<\/p>\n<p><strong>Simon Coles \u2013 Con \u2013 1,489 \u2013 ELECTED\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Teresa Anne \u2013 Lab \u2013 383<\/p>\n<p>Mark Evans \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,125<\/p>\n<p>Craig Lewis \u2013 Lab \u2013 309<\/p>\n<p>John Galpin \u2013 Lib Dems \u2013 381<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keith Green \u2013 Con \u2013 1,614 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Richard Holt \u2013 Con \u2013 1, 576 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Vijay Inamdar \u2013 Green \u2013 646<\/p>\n<p>James Oliver \u2013 Lib Dems \u2013 410<\/p>\n<p>Dermot Reid \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,098<\/p>\n<p>Jamie Walker \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1, 113<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Dorridge and \u00a0Hockley Heath \u2013 CON HOLD<\/p>\n<p>And the Tories triumph again, holding onto all three seats.<\/p>\n<p>Former leader of the council Ian Courts held his seat here, before standing down.<\/p>\n<p>Reform are on the heels of the Conservatives, but it seems the Borough voters are sticking with the status quo.<\/p>\n<p>Although not winning a seat the Greens have increased their share of the vote, and are emerging as a popular party.<\/p>\n<p>Full results<\/p>\n<p>David Brittin \u2013 Lab \u2013 236<\/p>\n<p>Luke Edwards \u2013 Ind \u2013 149<\/p>\n<p>David Godfrey \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 352<\/p>\n<p>Tess Green \u2013 Lab \u2013 242<\/p>\n<p>Cameron Hall \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 950<\/p>\n<p>Alex Insley \u2013 Reform UK \u00a0\u2013 962<\/p>\n<p>Christopher Johnson \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 275<\/p>\n<p>James Leah \u2013 Green \u2013 806<\/p>\n<p><strong>Andy Mackiewicz \u2013 Con \u2013 2,842 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Kirsty Mackinlay \u2013 Green \u2013 969<\/p>\n<p>Peter Sylvester \u2013 Green \u2013 858<\/p>\n<p>James Tilsley \u2013 Labour \u2013 188<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sally Tomlinson \u2013 Con \u2013 2,940 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Simon Turner \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 905<\/p>\n<p><strong>Paul Whitehouse \u2013 Con \u2013 2,503 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>St Alphege with Monkspath and Hillfield \u2013 CON HOLD<\/p>\n<p>Now it seems we go back to our regularly scheduled programming with the Conservatives holding onto all three of their seats.<\/p>\n<p>The Tories stormed ahead with all three councillors getting well over 2,000 votes each.<\/p>\n<p>Reform have made gains, with them coming in second, just in front of the Greens.<\/p>\n<p>The Lib Dems and Labour picked up more votes in this ward, possibly due to the redrawing of the boundaries.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Full results<\/p>\n<p>Patricia Berry \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,415<\/p>\n<p>Mark Geary \u2013 Lib Dem \u2013 807<\/p>\n<p>Noel Grace \u2013 Lab \u2013 527<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bob Grinsell \u2013 Con \u00a0\u2013 2,565 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Peter Harwood \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,300<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ken Hawkins \u2013 Con \u00a0\u2013 2,939 \u2013 ELECTED\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Brian Hunter \u2013 Green \u2013 719<\/p>\n<p>Angela Kikigawa \u2013 Lab \u2013 410<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sardul Marwa \u2013 Con \u2013 2,392 \u2013 ELECTED\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Angela Sandison \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,247<\/p>\n<p>Paul Tuxworth \u2013 Lab \u2013 278<\/p>\n<p>John Wyatt \u2013 Lib Dems \u2013 608<\/p>\n<p>Kingshurst and Smith\u2019s Wood \u2013 REFORM UK GAIN<\/p>\n<p>Another clean sweep for Reform UK, taking all three seats<\/p>\n<p>It was a close battle for sitting Green councillor Jean Hamilton with 1,061, but she was pipped to the post by Reform\u2019s Adrian Stefanovici.<\/p>\n<p>Greens did better in this ward, with Dee Boyce getting 980 votes, and Mark Wilson with 960.<\/p>\n<p>Tough result for Labour as Hazel Dawkins took 210, losing her seat, and the only Labour representative on the council.<\/p>\n<p>Tory\u2019s once again polling badly, with only a few hundred votes each.<\/p>\n<p>Full results<\/p>\n<p>Sarah Alan \u2013 Lab \u2013 257<\/p>\n<p>Dee Boyce \u2013 Green \u2013 980<\/p>\n<p><strong>Collette Brown \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,590 \u2013 ELECTED\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Mark Caddick \u2013 Labour \u2013 250<\/p>\n<p>Hazel Dawkins \u2013 Lab \u2013 210<\/p>\n<p>Katherine Foy \u2013 Lib Dems \u2013 91<\/p>\n<p>Jean Hamilton \u2013 Green \u2013 \u00a01,061<\/p>\n<p>Georgia Peplow \u2013 Con \u2013 279<\/p>\n<p>Ethan Potter \u2013 Con \u2013 274<\/p>\n<p><strong>Adrian Stefanovici \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,534 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Lisa Taylor \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,570 \u2013 ELECTED\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Mark Wilson \u2013 Greens \u2013 \u00a0960<\/p>\n<p>Sarah Young \u2013 Con \u2013 219<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Chelmsley Wood \u2013 REFORM UK GAIN<\/p>\n<p>Reform UK are off to a staggering start with all three ward councillors being elected. Ian Brown, Michael James and Phil Tierney top the votes with 1,346, 1,279 and 1,264 respectively.<\/p>\n<p>Green councillor Shesh Sheshabhatter lost her seat with just 812 votes.<\/p>\n<p>The conservatives polled less than expected, coming in just a few votes over Labour and the Lib Dems.<\/p>\n<p>Full result<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ian brown \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1346 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Jim Cooper \u2013 Con \u2013 214<\/p>\n<p>John Courtenay \u2013 Con \u2013 190<\/p>\n<p>Sally Farrell \u2013 Lab -190<\/p>\n<p>April Halpin \u2013 Greens \u2013 771<\/p>\n<p><strong>Michael James \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,279 \u2013 ELECTED\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Andy Miller \u2013 Greens \u2013 753<\/p>\n<p>Shesh Sheshabhatter \u2013 Green \u2013 812<\/p>\n<p>Glenis Slater \u2013 Lib Dems \u2013 64<\/p>\n<p>Elizabeth Thacker \u2013 Lab \u2013 148<\/p>\n<p><strong>Phil Tierney \u2013 Reform UK \u2013 1,264 \u2013 ELECTED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Martin Tomlinson \u2013 Con \u2013 165<\/p>\n<p>Lydia Turner \u2013 Lab \u2013 114<\/p>\n<p>The waiting game\u2026<\/p>\n<p>After a quick start with the counting starting an hour earlier than expected, things seemed to have slowed down.<\/p>\n<p>Lots of milling around and pacing from councillors across the political spectrum, with party leaders telling us things are looking close.<\/p>\n<p>Over in neighbouring Birmingham, Reform UK have had a great start, with six councillors elected so far and Labour seeming to be losing their tight control of the authority.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mood in the room<\/p>\n<p>Generally the Conservatives are quietly confident, with Solihull having always been a fairly safe area for them.<\/p>\n<p>Reform UK are hoping to make some inroads, but it will be a struggle, as the four reform councillors sitting at the moment crossed the floor from the Tory\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p>The Greens are looking to hold on to the gains from the last election, and are the party, alongside the Lib Dems with the second most seats.<\/p>\n<p>After a disappointing night for Labour locally and nationally, any inroads they can make in this blue stronghold will be welcomed.<\/p>\n<p>MP Saqib Bhatti and Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst are in attendance.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Verification and turnout<\/p>\n<p>Verification has been completed and counting is set to commence.<\/p>\n<p>The three candidates with the greatest number of votes will be elected for a four, two, and one year term, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>In the event of a tie between any of the top three placed candidates, lots will be drawn to establish length of term on Tuesday May 26.<\/p>\n<p>If there is a tie between third and fourth place, lots will be drawn today to determine who is elected.<\/p>\n<p>Overall turnout was 44.84 per cent across the 17 wards.<\/p>\n<p>In Balsall and Berkswell there was a 49.34 per cent turn out, 43.72 per cent in Blythe, 45.75 per cent in Castle Bromwich and the lowest turnout in Chelmsley Wood with 28.28 per cent.<\/p>\n<p>Dorridge and Hockley Heath had a 57.26 per cent turn out, Elmdon 44.91 per cent, \u00a0Fordbridge 28.49 per cent and Kingshurst and Smith\u2019s Wood the second lowest with 28.35 per cent.<\/p>\n<p>Knowle had the highest with \u00a055.19 per cent, Lyndon with 41.32 per cent, Meriden and Arden 44.82 per cent, Olton 50.41 per cent and Shirley East and Sharmans Cross 49.92 per cent.<\/p>\n<p>Shirley South had 47.74 per cent, Shirley West 46.29 per cent, Silhill 49.87 per cent and second highest is St. Alphege with Monkspath and Hillfield with 52.11 per cent.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The seats being contested<\/p>\n<p>Polls closed at 10pm last night and verification has begun for the 2026 local elections in Solihull.<\/p>\n<p>This year residents voted for up to three candidates following a change in ward boundaries.<\/p>\n<p>Of the seats being decided today 27 are held by Conservatives, eight by the Greens and Lib Dems, with four Reform, three independent and one Labour.<\/p>\n<p>We will be brining you live updates and exclusive interviews from the candidates.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t&#13;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"&#13; Shirley South \u2013 GREEN HOLD And it is good news for the Greens who take their first&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":946442,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7820],"tags":[855,748,393,4884,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-946441","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-birmingham","8":"tag-birmingham","9":"tag-britain","10":"tag-england","11":"tag-great-britain","12":"tag-uk","13":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/116539923491773569","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/946441","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=946441"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/946441\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/946442"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=946441"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=946441"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=946441"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}