Labour selects new leader for Birmingham City Council to replace Ian Ward

The Labour Party has chosen its next leader for Birmingham City Council.

John Cotton, formerly the cabinet member responsible for social justice, community safety and equalities, is set to replace Ian Ward as leader of the Labour group, with Sharon Thompson as his deputy.

The party selected Cllr Cotton following an interview process with Labour’s ruling NEC (National Executive Committee). The process began after an internal report found the leadership of the group was ‘dysfunctional’.

Following the announcement, Cotton, the city councillor for Glebe Farm and Tile Cross, told ITV news: “This is a huge honour, leading the city that has always been home. These are not the circumstances I would have wanted to take over in, but I feel I have a duty to serve. I will do all I can to unite the Birmingham Labour Party and deliver for our citizens.

“I want to pay tribute to Ian Ward who has not only led Birmingham City Council through a cost of living crisis, pandemic and delivered the greatest ever Commonwealth Games, but has given a lifetime of service to our movement.

“There is a huge amount of work to do over the coming months. We need to deliver the service improvements our communities deserve and tackle the significant financial and structural issues that threaten to impede our progress.”