The verification and counting of ballots for the Sandwell local elections commenced at 10:00 BST this morning, Friday, May 8. Election officials at the central counting hub are currently processing thousands of votes cast across the borough’s 24 wards to determine the political composition of the council for the next term.
Early declarations are expected to emerge by mid-afternoon, providing the first indications of the local political shift. Sandwell Council, which oversees essential services ranging from social care to waste management, consists of 72 seats in total. This election cycle sees candidates from all major parties and several independent groups vying for representation in the council chamber.
Afternoon declarations across 24 wards
As the count progresses, results will be announced ward-by-ward throughout the day. Historically, Sandwell has seen high-stakes contests in areas such as Oldbury, West Bromwich, and Tipton. The 2026 cycle is particularly significant as the council addresses long-term infrastructure projects and ongoing regional devolution discussions within the West Midlands.
| Ward Name | Winning Candidate | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Results Pending | TBC | TBC |
| Results Pending | TBC | TBC |
Note: This table will be updated as the Sandwell returning officer confirms each declaration throughout the afternoon.
Voter participation and ward breakdown
Verification of the ballot boxes took place immediately following the closure of polls at 10:00 PM on Thursday night. This preliminary process ensures the number of papers in the boxes matches the records from individual polling stations. Once verification is complete, the actual counting of votes for individual candidates begins in earnest.
Turnout figures for each of the 24 wards are also being calculated. These numbers serve as a key metric for local engagement, reflecting the community’s involvement in deciding who manages the borough’s multi-million-pound annual budget. Residents can monitor the official declaration board for the latest updates as they are verified and signed off by the returning officer. The final results for all contested seats are expected to be finalized before the close of business today.
Source: Sandwell Council
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