Ex-council boss praised for 'impeccable' service

Councillor Adrian Andrew has stepped in as acting leader of Walsall Council

The acting leader of Walsall Council has paid tribute to the authority's former leader following his sudden resignation.

Councillor Garry Perry announced on Wednesday he was resigning as leader with immediate effect, citing being subjected to a "campaign of political attrition" as the reason for his departure.

His deputy, councillor Adrian Andrew, has stepped in as acting leader of the Conservative-run council until a replacement can be chosen.

In a statement, Andrew said he wanted to pay tribute to Perry's "impeccable leadership and service" to both the Conservative group and Walsall Council over many years.

Garry Perry became leader of Walsall Council in June 2024 after Mike Bird resigned

"Garry is an incredibly caring and empathetic person who has the best interests of residents in Pelsall and communities across Walsall at heart," Andrew added.

Perry had been selected as leader of the council in June 2024, after the authority's longest-serving leader Mike Bird resigned.

In a statement announcing his sudden departure, Perry said he had been subjected to "a campaign of political attrition, deliberate undermining, and personal hostility".

He suggested the leadership position he was in was "bullying dressed up as politics" and said he would not allow himself to be "complicit by staying silent or clinging to office".

"I leave this office with my head held high, proud of what we've achieved, and more certain than ever that Walsall deserves better than the behaviour it is currently being subjected to behind closed doors," he added.

Conservative councillors will elect a new group leader at an upcoming meeting, before voting for a new council leader at a full council meeting.

Andrew also promised residents that services would continue to be delivered as normal.

"The people of Walsall borough can be assured that services will continue to be delivered by dedicated and conscientious members of staff," he said.

"And the council will continue to play its full role at the regional level, making sure we are at the table to secure more investment into our borough."

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