The 2026 Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council election was held on 7 May 2026, alongside the other local elections across the United Kingdom being held on the same day. All 72 members of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council were elected following ward boundary changes.
Prior to the election, the council had been under Labour majority control since 1979. At this election Reform UK, which had no seats on the council prior to the election, won 41 seats, giving them an overall majority. Labour lost over half their seats, including that of the incumbent leader of the council, Kerrie Carmichael. After the election, the new Reform group chose Ray Nock to be its leader. He was formally appointed as the new leader of the council at the subsequent annual council meeting on 26 May 2026.
Background In 2024, Labour retained control of the council.
Election result
Ward results Bearwood
Blackheath
Bristnall
Charlemont & Grove Vale
Cradley Heath & Old Hill
Friar Park & Stone Cross
Great Barr, Tamebridge & Yew Tree
Great Bridge
Greets Green & Lyng
Hateley Heath
Hill Top
Langley
Newton & Valley
Old Warley
Oldbury
Princes End
Rowley
Smethwick
Soho & Victoria
St Pauls
Tipton Green
Tividale
Wednesbury
West Bromwich Central
References