Full Breakdown
Roger Harmer Leads Birmingham Council in New Coalition
6/6/2026, 6:00:38 AM
New Leader Elected After Hung Council
On 7 June 2024, Liberal Democrat Roger Harmer was elected council leader with 40 votes, beating Conservative Robert Alden (19) and Reform UK’s Jex Parkin (18). He will head a minority administration that includes the Green Party, the Better Birmingham Independent Group and two independents.
Context: Election Deadlock and Council Challenges
The 7 May local elections left the 101-member council without a majority; 51 seats are required. Reform UK won 23 seats but declined to form a government, saying no partners would cooperate. The authority has faced a year-long bins strike, suspended recycling, and a 2023 declaration of effective bankruptcy that prompted government commissioners to oversee its £4.4 billion budget.
Party Representation
Council composition: Reform UK 23, Greens 19, Liberal Democrats 12, Labour 17, Better Birmingham Independents 7, Independents 2, Conservatives 16-17 (sources differ).
Timeline
7 May 2024 – hung council; 7 June 2024 – Harmer elected; March 2025 – projected continuation of waste strike.
Data & Statistics
101 councillors; £4.4 bn annual budget; 51 seats for majority; bin strike >12 months; agency staff handle waste, recycling halted.
Why It Matters
Settling the bins strike could restore recycling, reduce litter, lower agency costs and improve Birmingham’s reputation after recent financial turmoil.
Official Statements & Responses
Harmer said the council must “find a deal” on the waste dispute, calling the strike “essential” to resolve. He described the minority administration as a collaborative effort offering “steady, pragmatic, and unwavering” leadership. Green leader Julien Pritchard highlighted a “greener, safer and fairer” city and pledged to “do politics differently.” Labour and Reform UK declined any coalition role.
Criticism & Opposition
Reform UK’s Jex Parkin claimed the coalition “did not represent the wishes of Birmingham.” Conservative Robert Alden warned that “no party had a mandate from the electorate” and urged a “clean up our city.” Labour also refused to join any coalition.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Conservative seat count varies between 16 and 17 across sources. No agreed date exists for ending the bins strike, leaving the settlement timeline uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We will find a deal. We will make a deal. There has to be a deal, and that is number one item on our agenda,” — Roger Harmer, Council Leader
- “Our streets should be free from litter and fly-tipping,” — Roger Harmer
- “He added: "Greens believe in doing politics differently and our commitment to this forms the basis of our collaborative administration.” — Julien Pritchard, Green Party leader
- “ Reform's Jex Parkin had issued a defiant message, telling the chamber the new coalition 'did not represent the wishes of Birmingham'.” — Jex Parkin, Reform UK group leader
What’s Next
The coalition will negotiate a waste-strike settlement, restart recycling, and address potholes and anti-social behaviour, while commissioners continue financial oversight.
