Latest news with #GarryPerry
BBC News
3 days ago
- 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.
BBC News
13-02-2025
- General
- BBC News
Walsall Leather Museum saved from closure after council U-turn
Plans to close a museum and relocate its collections have been scrapped following a public Council had said The Leather Museum was not getting enough visitors and it was considering moving it to a more central at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, leader of the council Garry Perry announced the move from Littleton Street West would not go ahead."We have carefully considered the feedback, and the museum holds a deep significance for many people, not least those involved in Walsall's historic leather industry," he said. The museum, which opened in 1988, is housed in a Victorian building that was once a leather online petition against the closure attracted more than 6,000 signatures, and on Saturday a demonstration took petition's organiser Claire Taylor, said: "The museum represents more than just a building; it is a meeting place, an educational resource, and a symbol of our unique leather-working heritage." Mr Perry told the cabinet meeting the relocation plan was "well-intended"."[It had] the primary aim of securing its long-term future and broadening its appeal against a backdrop of significant financial subsidy and reducing visitor numbers," he said."However, we recognise that many do not share this view, and I regret that we were unable to convince people that this was the right course of action."Walsall Leather Museum is an important part of our town's identity."While we remain committed to securing a sustainable future for Walsall's heritage, we acknowledge that any changes must be made in collaboration with those who care most deeply about it." Lauren Broxton, who organised Saturday's demonstration, said she was "blown away" by the decision to keep the museum in its current location."We're absolutely elated, we're so happy that the council has listened," she said."The building is the museum, it's as much a part of the experience as the collections."The whole point of the museum being in that factory setting matches the humble, quiet pride of Black Country people. It's really very unique." Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
