00:00Reform UK's local election gains have moved the party from protest vote to possible council
00:06leadership in parts of the West Midlands. In Birmingham, the change is particularly stark.
00:13Labour has lost overall control of the city council and reform has emerged as the largest
00:18single group, but without enough seats to run the authority alone. That means any attempt to
00:25lead the council will depend on what other parties, independents or smaller groups are
00:30willing to support. Reform councillor Jex Parkin has said his group will try to form an administration
00:37other parties are weighing their own positions. The Liberal Democrats have said the split is not
00:43unworkable, but have ruled out working with reform. The Greens have said they're open to conversations
00:49with those who share their values. The Conservatives have also signalled caution about deals with
00:55reform in parts of the region. Beyond Birmingham, reform has already taken control in Warsaw and
01:01Samwell. In Dudley, the Conservatives remain the biggest group, but without overall control.
01:08Sully Hull is also under no overall control. The result is a more fragmented political map where
01:15influence may not always mean power. Reform says it's ready to take responsibility. Its rivals now
01:22have to decide whether to block, bargain or work around that new reality in the days and weeks ahead
01:28for voters locally.
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