Will the Midlands see an ‘independent wave’?

Plus: How to bag yourself a slice of BBC Brummie history

Dear Patchers — Welcome to your Tuesday briefing.

Today’s newsletter is about where the independent political movement in Birmingham will go next, boosted by the performance of Akhmed Yakoob in the recent West Midlands mayoral election. 

We also share notes on the cycling and transport brief at the council, why Coventry University’s vice chancellor is speaking out on student visas and how to get yourself a slice of genuine Birmingham drama history at the Great Western Arcade.

Stay safe – and dry. Dan.

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Brum in Brief

🟪Politically independent: Potential independent candidates for the next general election met in Sparkhill last weekend as they sought to strengthen alliances for when the country next goes to the polls. Buoyed by the performance of controversial independent candidate Akhmed Yakoob’s third-place finish in the mayoral election – analysis by data scientist Marwan Riach suggests four of Brum’s 10 constituencies voted for the Palestine-centring Yakoob in the contest for mayor – we got hold of news that disenfranchised former Labour politicians and campaigners gathered at the Muath Trust in a newly-founded left-wing alliance group called Reliance. In attendance was Brum University academic Kamel Hawwash, who will stand against Selly Oak MP Steve McCabe at the next election, as well as Shamima Begum's lawyer Mohammed Akunjee and 24-year-old British-Palestinian activist Leanne Mohamad, who are taking on Rushanara Ali and Wes Streeting respectively in London. With last weekend’s chat discussing disenfranchisement with contemporary politics as well as the need for diverse candidates, next on their agenda is being more strategic for whenever Sunak does call a vote.

🚗Brum road safety chief ‘axed’: Councillor Liz Clements has been stripped of her transport and highways brief with the position being rolled into the broader transport and environment role held by fellow councillor Majid Mahmood. This move follows news that the region’s walking and cyclist commissioner Adam Tranter announced he would not be continuing in his role either. Road safety activists have urged the council to rethink the Clements decision with Better Streets for Birmingham saying they were “deeply concerned” that the brief was no longer standalone. More here.

👨‍🎓Student visa threat: Coventry University’s vice-chancellor has said the city could lose out on tens of millions due to the government’s clampdown on international student visas. Professor John Latham said new-ish restrictions (which stop routes into work via academia and prohibit students bringing dependents), coupled with tough political rhetoric were discouraging students from coming to the UK. "The government is causing significant economic harm to communities like Coventry for the sake of chasing a few misguided headlines," he said. Full story.

⚽Defib tribute for Blues superfan: A new defibrillator at the Blues ground, fitted in memory of BCFC superfan Barrington Patterson, would have made him proud, his widow has said. Barrington, affectionately known as one-eyed Baz, was well regarded for both his charity work and anti-knife crime campaigning. He sadly died of a heart attack last year. “Barrington would be immensely proud to have a defibrillator at his beloved Birmingham City,” said Tracey, his wife. Another defibrillator has been fitted in the Chinese Quarter with plans for a third in the city centre in memory of the football-loving activist. More information.

📺Dress like a Doctors’ star: A few weeks ago we reported on the opening of St. Basil’s first shop – with shoppers able to bag themselves vintage fits if they headed down to the youth homelessness retail unit on Great Western Arcade. As stock has sold fast, the charity was desperate for further donations. They’ve now found them: in the form of the old wardrobe from BBC drama Doctors, which, until it recently, was filmed in Bournville. Barrie Hodge, head of fundraising for St Basils, said: “We were delighted when staff from the show Doctors reached out to us with an offer of donating clothes from the show. Some of it will go to the young people we work with who are experiencing homelessness, especially the items that are suitable for wearing to job interviews.” So if you want a piece of BBC history, we recommend getting down there – and fast.

🎭Frank Skinner at The Alex: Black Country-born Frank Skinner brings his critically acclaimed show ‘30 Years of Dirt’ to The Alexandra Theatre, after a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe and the Lyric Theatre. Described as “just plain funny” and with quick-witted crowd interactions, Skinner is likely to deliver on home turf. He is coming home, he’s coming home, he’s coming home – after all. Tickets here.