Largest party Reform will not run city council

The leader of the Reform UK group on Birmingham City Council has accepted his party is "unable to form an administration" because of a "left-wing majority" on the authority.

In a statement, councillor Jex Parkin said other groups on the council had "made it clear that they refuse to work with us".

Talks are taking place in the coming days about whether a coalition can be formed after local election results left no party in overall control.

The 24-year-old group leader went on to say Reform was committed to being a "constructive opposition".

"The results in Birmingham are historic," he said. "From a standing start, Reform UK is now the largest party on Birmingham City Council.

"Voters are clearly demanding radical change.

"Although we are the largest party, other groups have made it clear that they refuse to work with us, meaning there is no viable route for Reform to take control of the council."

He continued: "Given that Birmingham has also clearly elected a left-wing majority, we have accepted that we will unfortunately be unable to form an administration.

"We are committed to being a constructive opposition, ensuring the new leadership is effectively scrutinised in order to get our city back on track."

Both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have already set out their position when it comes to talks to form a coalition.

Fifty-one seats were needed for a majority on the authority, however Reform holds only 23.

Other parties had indicated to the BBC they were unlikely to align with Reform.

Lib Dem leader Roger Harmer previously said he "ruled out" working with the party, while the Greens said they would be having conversations this week with those "aligned to us" about future alliances.

Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti said it was a decision for Birmingham Conversative group leader Robert Alden, but in Solihull they would not be doing a deal.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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