Housing campaigner to stand down from council

'Trailblazer' will quit local politics after May 2026 election

- JANE HAYNES News Reporter

BIRMINGHAM housing campaigner Sharon Thompson is quitting local politics after 11 years, including seven at the heart of the city council leadership.

Cllr Thompson, council deputy leader, was also made deputy mayor of the West Midlands by Richard Parker last year when he was elected.

But she has announced she does not intend to stand again next year, ahead of what is likely to be a bruising local election campaign.

The deputy mayorship will go at the same time as it is linked to her council role. She will retain both roles until next May.

In a statement she said: "After much thought and reflection I have made the incredibly difficult decision to stand down as a councillor at the next local elections in May 2026.

"It has been the honour of my life to serve the people of Birmingham, especially the residents of North Edgbaston. As someone who has faced homelessness and hardship, stepping into public service was never a path I expected.

"I've had the privilege of serving as a Labour councillor, cabinet member, and now as deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, and deputy mayor of the West Midlands.