Dear readers – Birmingham is at a crossroads. For 14 years, Labour has been in power in which time we've had highs (major city centre redevelopment, the Commonwealth Games) and devastating lows (bankruptcy, bin strikes). At the same time, 21st century politics has become more polarised than ever.
The traditional, two-party system is looking vulnerable with the Green Party's recent parliamentary victory in Gorton and Denton ushering in new possibilities for underdog candidates. On the right of the spectrum, Reform UK has seized control of nearby councils in Warwickshire and Staffordshire, and Nigel Farage has made his intention to win Birmingham plain.
Meanwhile, independents have gained huge ground in Birmingham's inner-city wards, with others in Harborne, Quinton, and Oscott nipping at Labour's heels. As for the Conservatives and the Lib Dems, they're clamouring to leap out of opposition and into power. Anything could happen.
So, later this month, we’re bringing the key players together in one room.
We’ll be hosting our first ever Birmingham Dispatch hustings — giving readers the chance to hear directly from leading figures across the city’s main political parties, and to put their own questions to them.
From 6:30pm on Monday 27 April, you’ll hear from:
- Cllr John Cotton (Labour, Leader of Birmingham City Council)
- Cllr Roger Harmer (Liberal Democrats)
- Cllr Robert Alden (Conservative)
- Cllr Julien Pritchard (Green Party)
- Cllr Sam Forsyth (Independent)
- Jex Parkin (Reform UK)
- Akhmed Yakoob (Independent Candidate Alliance)
Together, they’ll debate the issues shaping Birmingham right now – from housing and regeneration to public services and the city's finances.
If you’re already a Dispatch member, tickets are £3. For non-members, tickets are £5. We look forward to seeing you there.
The discussion will be chaired and moderated by Lewis Warner, Political Reporter at ITV News Central.
⚡ The Dispatch’s 2026 Local Elections Hustings ⚡
📅 Monday 27 April, 6:30pm start (approx. 90 minutes)
📍 The Priory Rooms, Quaker Meeting House
40 Bull Street, Birmingham, B4 6AF
🎟 Tickets: Public £5 // Members £3
If you want a clearer sense of what’s happening in Birmingham – and what might come next – you can join us by booking your ticket here:
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