1998 Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council election explained

The 1998 Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council election took place on 7 May 1998 to elect members of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council in the West Midlands, England. One-third of the council was up for election and the Labour Party stayed in overall control of the council.^[1]

After the election, the composition of the council was:

• Labour 60
• Liberal Democrat 9
• Conservative 2
• Independent 1^[2]

Campaign

Before the election Labour held 60 of the 72 seats, with the main opposition provided by the Liberal Democrats.^[3] 24 seats were contested in the election, including 20 Labour, 3 Liberal Democrat and 1 Conservative seats.^[4] These included the Liberal Democrat group leader, Sadie Smith, in Great Barr, and the Conservative group leader, Bill Archer, in Wednesbury North.^[4]

Election result

The results saw no changes in party control, meaning that Labour continued to run the council.^[5]

Notes and References

1. News: Local Elections results . . 46 . 1998-05-09 .
2. News: Policy and politics: Local Elections: Analysis: Council poll results . . 16 . 1998-05-09 .
3. News: Dale . Williams . Labour set to coast through Sandwell . . 25 . 1998-04-07 .
4. News: Stephen . Harrison . Tough task for Tories to loosen Labour's commanding power Voters go to the polls in council elections across the Midlands on May 7. Local Government Correspondent Stephen Harrison looks at the fight for votes in the heart of the Black Country. . . 4 . 1998-04-29 .
5. News: Simon . Hardy . Labour rebels are crushed . . 7 . 1998-05-08 .