Time to bin ‘Soviet Sandwell’ declares Tory MP in stinging attack on 'corrupt' council
West Bromwich West MP Shaun Bailey has called for the abolition of Sandwell Council and has called it a “stain on the local government scene in the West Midlands”.
In scathing attack, he called for towns like Tipton and Wednesbury to get their identity back and be accountable to the electorate.
During a speech in the House of Commons on the possibility of allowing councils to host their meetings virtually, Mr Bailey opposed the suggestion and called for the abolition of the council as the only way to ensure accountability to the public and give the towns of Sandwell back their Identity.
Tory Mr Bailey, who was elected to the seat in 2019, dubbed Labour-run Sandwell Council as “Soviet Sandwell”, adding: “I have a concern that [this amendment allowing councils to meet virtually] is predicated on the fact that councils actually do their job properly. Unfortunately, I have experience of a council which doesn’t do its job properly.
“I remember the pandemic and the lack of accountability. We saw with meetings cutting out part way through. I saw the public unable to access these virtual meetings where key decisions were being made and it frightens me quite frankly.
“We might look at giving a local authority as – and I am afraid to say so – corrupt as Sandwell Council any possibility of hiding itself behind virtual meetings.
