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'Man of the people' Smith stuns Labour
LABOUR suffered an embarrasing blow in Walsall with the loss of a seat to the little-known Democratic Labour group.
Peter Smith clinched Blakenall ward for Democratic Labour with a majority of just 15 votes.
He called his win a "David and Goliath struggle" and attacked Labour for stealing the Tories' clothes.
"It's ordinary Labour people I represent, ordinary working-class people," Coun Smith said. "I consider myself true Labour. I have never changed."
Coun Smith ousted sitting Labour councillor Robert Robinson, one of the party's three casualties on the night.
The Conservatives strengthened their grip on the council, with Mustaq Ahmed taking Pleck from Labour for the Tories. Chris Bott also took Darlaston South from Labour standing as an Independent.
Tim Oliver, aged only 23, held Birchills-Leamore for Labour.
The Conservatives increased their hold on Walsall from 32 to 33 councillors, with Labour having 19 seats.
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