11:14

The Conservatives became the biggest political party in the Black Country town of Walsall today, and are expected to form a minority administration.

The Tories ended up with 30 seats, while Labour lost two to be left with 26, with the remaining four seats split between the Liberal Democrats and independents.

They also made gains from UKIP, who lost all three of their councillors in Walsall.

Previously Labour was in control with 28 seats to the Tories’ 24.

Walsall Conservative leader Mike Bird is confident of getting the support he requires to run a minority administration.

Labour was expected to hang on to power, with some activists claiming they would take an overall majority.

It follows the Conservatives’ Eddie Hughes unexpected victory in the general election last year in Walsall North.