Suspended Conservative leader to continue in Council

The Conservative Party has suspended the leader of Walsall Council, Cllr Mike Bird, following a disciplinary investigation.

The head of Walsall Council has now confirmed he will continue to lead the authority, backed by his colleagues, despite his suspension from the Conservative Party.

Councillor Mike Bird’s suspension followed an internal inquiry, the details of which were kept confidential by the party.

Bird, who has led the council for three terms since 2009, appealed against his suspension.

Forming a “Conservative and Independent” group with the majority of Conservative councillors, Bird ensured their continued control of the council post-local elections.

Despite calls from Labour’s Matt Ward for Bird to step down during the investigation, Bird expressed gratitude when speaking to the BBC for the support of his fellow Conservative councillors.

Another councillor, Suky Samra, also faced a three-month suspension from the Conservative Party and expressed intentions to appeal while sitting independently since last year.