Key details of Black Country local elections

Voters will go to the polls on 2 May

Voters across the Black Country will head to polling stations on 2 May to take part in a number of local elections.

On the ballot papers will be candidates for West Midlands mayor, the West Midlands police and crime commissioner and candidates for local councils.

It's expected to be the first of two polling days in 2024, with a UK General Election anticipated before the end of the year.

The results of the regional and local elections will be watched closely by the main political parties as a key indication of levels of public support.

This is particularly true in West Midlands constituencies that have in recent parliamentary elections proved to be "swing" seats, for example traditional Labour-voting areas that elected Conservative MPs in 2019.

On this theme, it's no coincidence Labour leader Kier Starmer launched his party's local elections campaign in the key target area of Dudley.

The area's borough council is holding an "all-out" election, meaning all 72 seats are up for grabs.

Which regional elections are taking place?

Perhaps the most high profile election in the region will be to elect the next West Midlands mayor.

The role was created in 2017 as the government devolved greater powers and funding to some regional authorities, on issues like transport and skills.

Conservative Andy Street has been mayor, leading the West Midlands Combined Authority since then and is running for re-election.

The Labour Party has selected Richard Parker as its candidate - a former partner at accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Barrister Sunny Virk, is the Liberal Democrats' candidate. He stood for the party in the 2023 Tamworth by-election.

Reform UK's candidate is Elaine Williams, with Siobhan Harper-Nunes standing for the Green Party.

Voters in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton will decide who takes on the role for the next four years.

Voters in the same seven local authority areas will be able to vote for the next police and crime commissioner (PCC) in the West Midlands.

Labour's Simon Foster was elected to the role in May 2021. He's standing for re-election, after a bid by the Home Office to merge the PCC role into the mayor's office was rejected by judges at the High Court.

The Conservative candidate is former police officer, Tom Byrne.

Voters will elect the Mayor, Police and Crime Commissioner and local councillors

Which local council are holding elections?

Elections are taking place in all four councils in the Black Country.

Twenty of the 60 seats at City of Wolverhampton Council are up for election, one in each area, known as a "ward". Labour currently leads the authority with a majority of 34.

Labour are also the controlling party at Sandwell Borough Council, where 24 of the 72 seats are up for election.

In Dudley, the Conservatives are currently the party in control, with a majority of 10 seats.

The Tories also lead Walsall Borough Council with a majority of 37, where 20 of the 60 seats are up for election.

Voters must take ID to polling stations

How can I vote in the elections?

Residents who are not already signed up to the electoral register must do so before 23:59 on April 16 to be eligible to vote.

Identification will be required to vote in person at a polling station. There are 22 acceptable forms of ID, including a UK passport, driving licence or bus pass.

Voters who have none of these can also apply for a free document known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

When will we know the results?

Votes in the local council elections in Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall and Sandwell are all being counted on Friday 3 May, with results expected that day.

The votes in both the West Midlands mayoral election and the PCC election will be counted on Saturday 4 May.