'We're strong' says Tory leader as Solihull election results buck national trend

The leader of Solihull Council says increasing the Conservative majority is a “triumph” and shows the strength of the party in the West Midlands despite losses elsewhere nationally. The Tories held seats in Meriden, Lyndon, St Alephege, Silhill, Shirley East, Dorridge and Hockley Heath, Blythe, Knowle and Castle Bromwich.

And Prish Sharma’s victory in Shirley West was a Conservative gain. It meant the Tories came out the election with a majority on the authority of 30 - up one seat and strengthening the party's majority.

“We were within 50 votes of taking three more seats,” Coun Ian Courts said. “There is a great team of Conservative councillors and activists - we do our best to connect with people.

READ MORE: Solihull council election live results as Tories buck national trend

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“Solihull Conservatives are strong. The West Midlands is in good health from a Conservative point of view.”

Asked about the national picture, which on Friday afternoon was on course to be looking like a bad set of results for the Tories, the leader said: “I am sad for those who have lost their seats.

“It’s tough when you get elected and then lose. There have to be winners and losers.”

The leader said among his priorities for the council are the continuation of a strong economy for Solihull and the “good progress” made on children’s services. Coun Courts added he was keen to look at the issues of youth unemployment and training.

Among the Tory big names holding their seat were:

• The council’s deputy leader, Conservative councillor Karen Grinsell holding Shirley East

• Coun Tony Dicicco, the cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Health holding Meriden

• Conservative councillor David Pinwell - chairman of the Economic Development and Managed Growth Scrutiny Board holding Knowle

• Peter Hogarth, the chairman of the Governance Committee, holding Silhill