Polling day in Bournbrook and Selly Park

It's been a short but intense campaign in Bournbrook and Selly Park. A by-election, triggered by the resignation of former councillor Brigid Jones has led to the first big test of the council since the section 114 notices issued last year. Section 114 notices are a process that confirm that the council cannot balance the books.

Under Birmingham Labour, the council has got into serious financial difficulty. An Equal pay catastrophe, a failed IT implementation and poor management of finances have caused chaos. 

A devastating budget passed by Birmingham Labour back in March confirmed that council tax would rise by 21% over 2 years and many services would be cut right back such as libraries. Liberal Democrats unanimously voted against the budget.

Polls will close at 10am today, and the votes will be counted tomorrow.