Residents across Sandwell are awaiting the outcome of the local elections as verification and counting begins at the central tallying point. Sandwell Council officials confirmed that the process commenced at 10:00 am on Friday, 8 May, following the close of polls across the borough’s 24 wards.
Results are expected to be announced throughout the afternoon as individual ward counts are finalized. This election determines the representation for one-third of the council seats, shaping the local authority’s direction for the coming four-year cycle.
Live Election Results Tally
The following table will be updated as Sandwell Council returning officers formally declare the winners for each contested seat.
| Ward | Declared Winner | Party Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Abbey | Awaiting Declaration | TBC |
| Blackheath | Awaiting Declaration | TBC |
| Bristnall | Awaiting Declaration | TBC |
| Charlemont with Grove Vale | Awaiting Declaration | TBC |
| Cradley Heath and Old Hill | Awaiting Declaration | TBC |
| Friar Park | Awaiting Declaration | TBC |
| Great Barr with Yew Tree | Awaiting Declaration | TBC |
| Greets Green and Lyng | Awaiting Declaration | TBC |
| Hateley Heath | Awaiting Declaration | TBC |
Verification and Counting Schedule
The counting process is staged to ensure accuracy across the metropolitan borough. Verification of ballot papers took place immediately following the 10:00 pm poll closure on Thursday, with the formal count of votes starting at 10:00 am today.
Returning officers expect the first batch of results to arrive from approximately 1:00 pm. Wards with higher voter turnout or those requiring potential recounts may see declarations delayed until the early evening. The council uses a rolling declaration system, meaning results are published individually rather than in a single block.
Contested Wards and Candidate Breakdown
Sandwell Council is currently composed of 72 councillors. In this 2026 cycle, voters in every ward have cast ballots for one seat. The 24 wards under scrutiny include:
- Oldbury area: Abbey, Bristnall, Langley, Oldbury.
- Rowley Regis area: Blackheath, Cradley Heath and Old Hill, Rowley, Tividale.
- Smethwick area: Soho and Victoria, St Paul’s, Smethwick.
- Tipton area: Great Bridge, Princes End, Tipton Green.
- Wednesbury area: Friar Park, Wednesbury North, Wednesbury South.
- West Bromwich area: Charlemont with Grove Vale, Great Barr with Yew Tree, Greets Green and Lyng, Hateley Heath, Newton, West Bromwich Central.
Political observers are closely monitoring the turnout figures, which will be verified alongside the final vote counts. Sandwell Council will provide official confirmation of the successful candidates once the High Sheriff or designated returning officer completes the formal announcement at the count venue.
Source: Sandwell Council
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