Former Solihull leaders step down ahead of all-out poll

TL;DR

Several Solihull councillors including former leaders Ian Courts and Bob Sleigh are not standing in May's all-out local elections.
12 current councillors from Conservatives, Greens, Lib Dems and independents will leave, with 230 candidates contesting 51 seats across 17 wards.
This guarantees new faces on the council, which Conservatives have controlled since 2011.

The story at a glance

Familiar faces like former Solihull Council leader Ian Courts and his predecessor Bob Sleigh are among 12 councillors not seeking re-election in the all-out elections on May 7. Voters in 17 wards will pick up to three candidates each from 230 standing, mainly Conservatives, Labour, Reform UK, Greens and Lib Dems. The story reports this now after candidates were announced, ahead of polling day.[[1]](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/familiar-faces-including-former-leaders-33761996)

Key points

Ian Courts, current deputy leader and former council leader for six years, is stepping down.
Bob Sleigh, Courts' predecessor as leader for five years and now a cabinet member, is also not standing.
Other councillors not returning: Conservatives Andrew Burrow, Peter Hogarth, Diana Holl-Allen, Gail Sleigh; Green Oliver Farr; Lib Dems Richard Long, Sarah Phipps; independents Andy Hodgson, Alison Rolf, Stephen Rymer.
Only Conservatives, Reform UK and Labour field candidates in all 51 seats; Greens have 42, Lib Dems 33, plus two independents.
26 seats needed for council majority; Conservatives have held it since 2011, and no other party since the council formed in 1974.
Voters need photo ID at polling stations open 7am to 10pm on Thursday May 7.

Details and context

This is an all-out election, meaning every one of the 51 seats is up for grabs, unlike partial elections in other years. Solihull Council has stayed under Tory control or no overall control since 1974, with Conservatives dominant lately. The full candidate list is on the council website at solihull.gov.uk.[[1]](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/familiar-faces-including-former-leaders-33761996)

Changes at the top of the Conservative group could shift leadership if they hold their majority. Departure of heavyweights like Courts and Sleigh opens spots for newcomers in the ruling administration.

Why it matters

New councillors will shape Solihull's policies on services, planning and budgets for years ahead. Residents face potential shifts in council direction depending on whether Conservatives keep their long hold or others gain ground. Watch results on May 7 and any leadership contests in the main parties afterwards.