Solihull Labour leader loses his seat

May 2 2008 by Leda Reynolds

THE leader of the Labour group in Solihull today lost his seat to the Green Party.

Longstanding councillor, Hugh Hendry, was ousted by Mike Sheridan who won the Smith Wood ward by 331 votes.

Mr Hendry, a councillor for 18 years, said he feels the local vote is a reflection of how people feel about the Labour Party at a national level.

''A fellow that doesn't even live in the area has seen an opportunity with regeneration to come here. They have thrown all their resources into Smith Wood.

''I feel disappointed with today's result. We've put a lot of work into the area and we've got voted out by people concerned about what's happening at a national level."

Mr Hendry, speaking after the Solihull election said he did not know at this stage whether he would stand at future local elections.

''I still live in Smith Wood and I wish the people of Smith Wood all the best. It's going to be a difficult time with the regeneration.''

Jubilant Mike Sheridan said he was stunned at the result of today's count where he got 881 votes.

It's the Green Party's first ever win at the Solihull council elections and the first seat the party has taken in the West Midlands.

''I feel stunned at the moment,'' said Mr Sheridan, who lives in Fox Hollies Road in Birmingham.

"Obviously, you hope to do well but to win the seat from the leader of the Labour group, having coming fourth at last year's election, is a real victory.''

The result of the full vote in Solihull was expected later this afternoon.