Latest news with #GarryPerry
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ex-Walsall Council leader quits politics after 'intimidation' amid family heartbreak
The former leader of Walsall Council has decided to walk away from politics altogether - claiming he can no longer cope with "intimidation" and "dishonesty". Councillor Garry Perry, who is also dealing with personal heartbreak after losing both of his parents, will stand down from his role on August 4. The Tory councillor said there was "little point in continuing" in a system which had "become increasingly tone deaf to challenge". READ MORE: Walsall Council leader quits amid 'bullying and hostility' claim Mr Perry, who quit as the authority's leader in May, said: "I can no longer be part of a culture where intimidation is normalised, and dishonesty goes unchecked. "That is not public service and I will not allow my presence to imply otherwise." He said "fallacious arguments" were being "crafted" behind the scenes to "suit internal narratives" and that transparency was "often optional". Mr Perry, who was first elected in 1998, added: "I cannot lend credibility to a culture where scrutiny is discouraged and accountability feels like a forgotten principle. "In recent years, and the last week, I've experienced profound personal loss - including the passing of both my parents, and the devastating and unexpected loss of my brother to Covid during the pandemic. "These moments have reshaped my outlook and reminded me that life is short, fragile, and precious. "I've been blessed with the unwavering support of my family and close friends, and now is the time to focus on them, and on living fully, with purpose and authenticity." He said politics, both locally and nationally, is in "urgent need of repair". Mr Perry said, despite his criticism, he recognised there are still good people in politics who strive to serve their communities. He said: "Since first being elected in 1998, I have served the people of Pelsall with one constant priority: putting them first. "I remain incredibly proud of what we have achieved together, and to everyone who placed their trust in me - thank you. "I still believe in public service and in the difference good people can make. "Sometimes, the most principled act is to step away. I do so with no bitterness - only hope. "Hope that those who remain, and those who come next, will remember why they sought office in the first place: to serve. "My time in public office may be at an end, but I remain, always – Pelsall at heart."
BBC News
24-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Walsall Council opposition leader calls for review of authority's culture
Walsall Council's opposition leader has called for an investigation into the "conduct and culture" of elected members at the authority following the resignation of its leader last leader Garry Perry resigned on 21 May, stating that he had been subject to a "campaign of political attrition, deliberate undermining, and personal hostility".Leader of the Labour group Matt Ward had written to the council's chief executive, Emma Bennett, demanding a review into the allegations.A spokesperson for Walsall Council said: "No specific complaint has been received by the council from anyone to investigate." Ward said: "Councillor Perry described a toxic environment marked by political hostility, sustained personal undermining, and behaviour that he said prioritised internal self-interest over the needs of the borough."These are serious and credible concerns that, while directed at some elected members, reflect poorly on the institution if not addressed transparently and with urgency."I also request confirmation that the planning peer review report will be released publicly, and that the council commissions a peer review into licensing. I believe a formal review would now be both timely and necessary."These actions are needed to restore confidence, ensure accountability, and reaffirm that this council operates with integrity at every level."The council did not comment on the planning or licensing peer reviews.A spokesperson for the authority said: "The council takes concerns about bullying very seriously. "No specific complaint has been received by the council from anyone to investigate."The council has a robust process to investigate all issues and complaints that are raised through our formal processes." Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Former Walsall Council leader returns to top job
A former leader of Walsall Council has returned to the position, a year after he resigned from the Bird stepped down from leading the Conservative-run council in June 2024 after being suspended from the new leader was confirmed on Tuesday after councillor Garry Perry, who succeeded Bird as leader, resigned himself from the role over what he described as "a campaign of political attrition, deliberate undermining and personal hostility".Bird said the council had been through "turbulent times" in recent weeks and thanked Perry at the meeting. Bird, who represents Pheasey Park Farm, has led Walsall Council six times."We must unite as a council no matter what political party you are," he told councillors."Tonight I feel like the osprey that has returned back to its nest and I am very grateful for that."The Conservatives have a majority on Walsall Council with 37 elected councillors. Perry resigned with immediate effect on 21 May, saying the borough deserved better "than the behaviour it is currently being subjected to behind closed doors."In his statement, he added: "I have been subjected to a sustained campaign of political attrition, deliberate undermining and personal hostility — not because of failure or wrongdoing but because I refused to play the game of patronage and self-preservation." Councillors welcomed Bird back to the Aftab Nawaz, leader of the Walsall independent group, said: "The way you were removed from council was an affront to democracy in this chamber."We had people from outside deciding who would [run] this council and that is never good."Councillor Matt Ward, leader of the Labour group, asked Bird if he would investigate the "serious allegations" around bullying made by new leader said: "I will speak to Garry, I have no knowledge of where his bullying came from, it certainly wasn't from me."The Conservative Party has been approached for a response. Follow BBC Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
23-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Former Walsall Council leader praised for 'impeccable' service
The acting leader of Walsall Council has paid tribute to the authority's former leader following his sudden 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 deputy, councillor Adrian Andrew, has stepped in as acting leader of the Conservative-run council until a replacement can be 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 is an incredibly caring and empathetic person who has the best interests of residents in Pelsall and communities across Walsall at heart," Andrew had been selected as leader of the council in June 2024, after the authority's longest-serving leader Mike Bird 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 councillors will elect a new group leader at an upcoming meeting, before voting for a new council leader at a full council 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. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Walsall council leader resigns after 'political attrition'
The leader of Walsall Council, councillor Garry Perry, has resigned with immediate a statement released on Wednesday, he said he made the decision to resign after being subjected to a "campaign of political attrition, deliberate undermining, and personal hostility".He said Walsall deserved better "than the behaviour it is currently being subjected to behind closed doors."Mr Perry, a Conservative, became leader of the council in June 2024 after former leader Mike Bird resigned. In a statement Mr Perry said: "I have always believed that leadership should be based on principle, not popularity; on service, not self-interest.""I have strived to serve this borough with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering focus on the needs of our residents — not the whims of internal politics."Sadly, in recent months, it has become abundantly clear that these values are no longer shared by some within the ranks of local government."I have been subjected to a sustained campaign of political attrition, deliberate undermining, and personal hostility — not because of failure or wrongdoing, but because I refused to play the game of patronage and said the position he was in was not leadership but "bullying dressed up as politics", in which he would not allow himself to be "complicit by staying silent or clinging to office".The statement continued: "I say to the public, please look closely at who you elect to represent you. "Leadership is not about titles; it is about character [and] we cannot rebuild trust in politics unless we demand better and choose better."There are still many good people in public life. They deserve your support. But let no one mistake loyalty to the public for weakness or confuse honesty with naivety."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."This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
