The News Agents SPECIAL REPORT: An election like no other in Birmingham
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May 7, 2026 
Ahmed Yacoub, a local political organiser linked to the 'Gaza independents' movement, discusses Birmingham’s volatile election scene. He talks about mobilising young independent candidates and the rise of a new local political force. Short, sharp conversations cover controversies around rhetoric, the risk of sectarian politics, and how mainstream parties are losing ground.
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Labour's Unity Pitch Versus Local Failures
- Labour is unpopular locally after bankruptcy and service failures yet frames its appeal as unity and shared investment.
- John Cotton stresses jobs, £651m returned to the council and warns independents and Reform risk turning communities against each other.
Service Collapse Is Driving Voter Reckoning
- Electoral anger stems from concrete failures not just identity politics; bankruptcy and bin strikes fuel voter reckoning.
- Goodall contrasts Birmingham's decline with Manchester's relative success to explain voter frustration.
Win Votes By Fixing Local Problems Not Targeting Identities
- Appeal across communities by solving day-to-day issues rather than targeting identity groups.
- Matt Bennett says he wins support by dealing with local services and not appealing on race or religion.