City council remains without administration

An administration has still not been formed at Birmingham City Council, following the authority's first full meeting since the local elections.

Reform, now the largest party on the council, and Labour, have ruled out any role for themselves in any incoming coalition.

The Green, Liberal Democrat, and Better Birmingham Independent groups released a joint statement following the meeting, saying they were working "to create a sustainable administration".

The leaders of these groups, Julien Pritchard, Roger Harmer and Harris Khaliq, said: "Following tonight's council meeting we understand there are still many questions about the council's leadership."

They continued: "As leaders of the Green, Liberal Democrat, and Better Birmingham Groups we are tonight making clear our commitment to come together for a safer, greener and fairer city.

"We are working to create a sustainable administration to serve Birmingham's residents.

"We call on other councillors who share our aim of a fairer city to support us.

"We are working hard to finalise an agreement soon, so we can give the leadership the council and the city deserves."

The elections on 7 May saw Labour lose dozens of seats and control of the council, and the fracturing of the city's politics meant no party had even half the councillors needed for an overall majority, triggering talks to try and form a coalition.

In 2022, Labour won 65 seats, but following the local elections earlier this month they were left with just 17.

The new Labour group leader, Nicky Brennan, said the party recognised it had lost many seats and must rebuild trust with residents who voted for change.

"We really do have to listen to that result that we've had, Birmingham has asked for change.

"That doesn't mean that Labour's going to run away from any responsibility, it just means that how we're going to operate in the council this time is going to be different."

Robert Alden, leader of the Tory group in Birmingham, said the city had not "elected one clear party to run the city but a mix of representatives from different parties".

The appointment of the council leader and announcement of cabinet members have been adjourned until the next full council meeting.

Joanne Roney, managing director at Birmingham City Council, was asked recently whether residents could be reassured the council could still tackle critical issues, despite this unprecedented situation.

"Clearly it's not for me to comment on the politics or what arrangements may exist in Birmingham," she said.

"But as the managing director of Birmingham City Council, it's absolutely my job to deliver on the commitments that have been made to the residents of this city and to have a council that functions well to do that."

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.