Council leader resigns over 'political attrition'

A council leader has resigned saying he had been subjected to "a campaign of political attrition, deliberate undermining, and personal hostility".

Former Walsall Council leader Garry Perry said on Wednesday he would be resigning with immediate effect.

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 self-preservation."

He 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.

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