Black Country councillors react to result

One of the most remarkable political nights in the UK for decades saw Theresa May's decision to call a snap election backfire as her party fell short of an overall majority in the commons.

The Prime Minister faced calls to resign but has since said that she would rely on the support of the Democratic Unionist Party in order to get her programme through Parliament.

Politicians from across the Black Country have given their take on the national picture a after a night where the only gain in the area was for the Conservatives in Walsall North.

Councillor Mike Bird, Conservative leader in the borough, who backed the new Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes, said: "It is very hard to tell where we stand in terms of who has the power and authority at the moment and I think it is going to take a few days for the fuller picture to emerge.

"I think it puts us even more on the back foot with Brexit negotiations too, if Theresa May was given a strong mandate like we had hoped then it would be a different story, we could move forward with a bit more assurance.

"I was shocked that Labour was taking seats that we had held for such a long time but at the same time we took a few of their stronger seats, so I think there is good and bad to take from this but unfortunately the bigger picture isn't as clear as everyone would have hoped."

Labour councillor Khurshid Ahmed, shadow cabinet member for planning and economic development at Dudley Council, said: "Of course I wanted Labour to win and of course I wanted Jeremy Corbyn's policies in place.

"His policies had community people at the heart of them.

"There was something for everything.

"There was something for the NHS and the security services and our protection.

"Overall I was disappointed Labour didn't form a government, but I am chuffed as Labour still did really well. We have come along way.

"Going back to the local aspect, I am really pleased that Ian Austin is back in parliament.

"He is a hardworking and good MP and will continue to serve the public, he has their full confidence.

Asked how the result will affect Brexit going forward, councillor Ahmed said: "The public message is clear.

"What Theresa May said is trust me.

"But the people have came out and said we can't trust you."

Liberal democrat councillor Ian Shires, of Willenhall North, said: "I think Theresa May has got it so, so wrong.

"David Cameron got it wrong with calling for the referendum and Theresa May got it wrong with calling this snap election.

"They may have just come out on top but I don't think people were thinking through what they were voting for.

"You have to look at the cuts that the Government has made to local councils in the last two years alone and then you see the real impact of a Tory government.

"The result certainly isn't helpful as we move into Brexit negotiations either."