Labour takes control of Walsall Council after 14 years' opposition

Labour has taken control of Walsall Council after 14 years as the authority's opposition party.

Conservative Mike Bird was deposed as leader following a special meeting on Monday evening.

Fellow councillors voted for Labour group leader Sean Coughlan to replace Mr Bird, who headed the previous Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition.

There were 31 votes in favour, 12 against, and 16 abstentions.

Mr Bird survived a leadership challenge in June, despite Labour emerging as the biggest single party in the local elections.

Labour renewed its bid for control of the council after a by-election for former leader Tim Oliver's seat was held last month.