New Birmingham City Council administration agreed

This evening (Friday 5 June) a meeting of the full council voted on the proposal for the new leader of the council.  

Cllr Roger Harmer (Lib Dem) was voted in as leader, with Cllr Julien Pritchard (Green) named as deputy leader.  

The new administration is a partnership including Green, Liberal Democrat parties and the Better Birmingham and Birmingham Independent Groups. 

Cllr Roger Harmer said: “The challenges our city faces demand both new policies that put our residents first and a commitment to ensure they are actually delivered. Our city requires leadership that is steady, pragmatic, and unwavering in its focus on the issues that matter most to residents. In recent years Birmingham has faced uncertainty, and real damage to its reputation. Now, more than ever, we require a council that unites behind common goals and delivers real change. 

“Let us be clear about our priorities. First and foremost, we must get the basics right. Our streets should be free from litter and fly tipping. The bin strike has gone unresolved for far too long, impacting the daily lives of thousands. Tackling this head-on is not optional; it is essential. 

“This coalition shows what can be achieved when we put our city above narrow party politics. The Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, and the Independent Councillors have come together, united by a vision of progress grounded in action.” 

Cllr Julien Pritchard said: “Green Party Councillors are proud to step up to serve our fantastic city and start working to give hope back to Birmingham. We look forward to working towards a greener, safer and fairer city, one that works for everyone, and where no one resident or community is left behind.” 

 “Greens believe in doing politics differently and our commitment to this forms the basis of our collaborative administration. We look forward to working with our partners to address residents’ priorities and towards a more hopeful, inclusive and equal city.” 

At the meeting the new Leader set out his cabinet members and portfolios, which are: 

• Leader: Roger Harmer (Lib Dem) 
• Deputy Leader Economy and Sustainability: Julien Pritchard (Green), Deputy (Economy and Sustainability) James Hinton (LD) 
• Finance: Chris Graghan (Green), Deputy Shaukat Khan (LD) 
• City Operations and Digital (formerly Environment): Harris Khaliq (Better Birmingham), Deputy Joe Peacock (Green) 
• Transport: Rob Grant (Green), Deputy Izzy Knowles (LD) 
• Housing and Homelessness: Baber Baz (LD), Deputy Atikur Rahman (Green) 
• Children, Young People, and Families: Kamel Hawwash (Green), Deputy Mumtaz Hussain (LD) 
• Health and Social Care: Nosheen Khalid (BB), Hamzah Sheikh (Green) 
• Culture and Heritage: Deborah Harries (LD), Deputy Raheem Humphreys (Green) 
• Equalities Communities & Social Justice: Jane Baston (Green), Deputy Jamil Khan (BB) 

For the short period the council has been without a political administration, services have continued to be delivered and now the new political leadership will focus on stability and delivery of key services, working alongside senior officers.