Following an extraordinary council meeting last night on Monday 3 June 2024, Walsall Council has a new Leader.

Councillor Garry Perry was elected following the resignation of Councillor Mike Bird, who has been Leader since May 2018. Cllr Perry said:

“I consider this to be the privilege of my life, to serve Walsall, its residents, and the employees of this council in the capacity as your leader.

"I am a Walsall boy, born and bred, and I’ve been an elected member now for 27 years. During that time, I have held various positions on the council, including Mayor of Walsall in 2011, which was another honour.

“I take my duties very seriously. More importantly, I am very much focused on people and place. Living and working in Walsall, I understand all the pressures and challenges that face residents as they go about their everyday business.

"So, whether you choose to live in Walsall, or whether you work or go to school or college here, or run a business in the borough, I understand what those pressures can feel like.

“I’m looking forward to meeting residents and working with council staff, our partner organisations, and local businesses as we work together to transform Walsall for the better. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be explaining more about my plans for the borough and using one phrase in particular - ‘from 24 to 40’.

"This relates to our long-term vision for the future of borough called ‘We Are Walsall 2040’. That vision needs to be realised. And it starts today.

Cllr Perry also announced his cabinet yesterday. The 10-strong team of councillors each look after particular services and have specific responsibilities.

Under the new Cabinet arrangements, Councillor Adrian Andrew and Councillor Mark Statham will be Deputy Leaders with Councillor Andrew looking after the economic growth and regeneration portfolio and Councillor Statham in charge of finance.

Councillor Gary Flint remains in his role as Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Stacie Elson stays as Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, Councillor Kerry Murphy remains as Portfolio Holder for Street Pride, and Councillor Keir Pedley, stays as Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care.

Councillor Pardeep Kaur takes over the Education and Skills portfolio, Councillor Edward Lee is the new Portfolio Holder for Internal Resources, and Councillor Amandeep Garcha is the new Portfolio Holder for Resident Access and Housing Support.

The new Walsall Council Cabinet is:

Councillor Garry Perry - Leader

Councillor Adrian Andrew - Associate Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Regeneration

Councillor Mark Statham - Associate Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance.  

Councillor Pardeep Kaur - Portfolio Holder for Education and Skills.

Councillor Gary Flint - Portfolio Holder Health and Wellbeing

Councillor Edward Lee - Portfolio Holder for Internal Resources

Councillor Amandeep Garcha - Portfolio Holder for Resident Access and Housing Support

Councillor Stacie Elson - Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People

Councillor Kerry Murphy - Portfolio Holder for Street Pride

Councillor Keir Pedley - Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care

In addition, Councillor Poonam Gill and Councillor Izzy Hussain will be Cabinet Assistants without portfolio, and they will support policy development, attend briefings and be a general conduit between Members and the Executive.