Rachel Alexander
Local Democracy Reporting Service

The existing leader of Walsall Council has said this election has been the “worst he’s ever fought”, revealing he reported several personal attacks to the police.

Mike Bird, who will find out today whether he will be re-elected in the Pheasey Park Farm ward, said he has been subjected to “character assassination” during his election campaign.

The Tory councillor added his daughter, Kara Babb, who is standing as a Conservative candidate in the neighbouring Streetly ward, had also been targeted.

Bird spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service at the election count where all 60 seats at Walsall Council are to be decided.

Image source, LDRS

“It’s the worst election I’ve ever fought,” he said.

“It’s been vindictive attacks on people, disgraceful attacks on people, to the fact that I reported on two or three occasions to the police. Now that’s not democracy, that’s character assassination.”

The results, which are expected to be announced from 17:00 BST, could see the end to Bird’s position as leader of the council.

“I’d just like to say thank you to the people of Walsall who have supported me over the years, but hopefully that won’t happen.”