Chairman of Walsall Planning Committee resigns as ‘false allegations’ are investigated

Councilman Mark Statham is currently under investigation by the supervisor.

Councilor Statham will remain deputy leader of the council and member of the cabinet member responsible for finance.

Councilor Statham has branded the accusation as ‘false’ and is confident no wrongdoing will be found.

Leader of Walsall Council councilor Garry Perry told the Express & Star councilor Statham was only stepping down as chairman of the planning committee.

Statham, a Bloxwich East councilor, has chaired the committee since May. He previously served as vice chairman of the committee, with Councilor Mike Bird serving as chairman.

His replacement will be decided tonight (Monday) by the Walsall Conservative group. Members voting by secret ballot can choose between two candidates: Councilor Waheed Rasab or Councilor Mike Bird.

Councilor Waheed Rasab, elected for the Paddock ward in 2018, is currently chairman of the Health and Welfare board and vice-chairman of a taxi licensing subcommittee. He is currently not a member of the planning commission.

Rasab’s rival is former council leader Mike Bird. Councilor Bird was ousted by the national Conservative Party last year due to claims of bullying and harassment made against him.

The suspension did not affect Bird’s role on the council as the authority considered it a matter for party business. However, weeks later he resigned as leader.

Councilor Bird represents the Pheasey Park Farm ward and was first elected more than 40 years ago. During his time he has held various chairman and vice-chairman positions and is currently a member of the Planning Commission.