Labour retained their 100 per cent grip of Sandwell Council after scooping all 24 seats up for grabs in the latest local election.

With only one third of the Black Country council’s seats being contested the party was never going to lose control.

However with a number of de-selections and some members turning independent it was not a foregone conclusion that they would win in all of the wards.

Thirteen councillors successfully defended their seats including cabinet members social care boss Ann Shackleton retaining Cradley Heath and Old Hill and public health and protection chief Elaine Costigan keeping hold of Wednesbury North.

Karen Simms was the first winner declared with the result read out shortly after midnight. She will be one of 11 new faces entering into the council chamber.

Just over two hours later Bawa Dhallu was the final winner to be confirmed retaining West Bromwich Central and ensuring Sandwell remained well and truly red.

Reacting to the clean sweep council leader Steve Trow said: “I am really pleased, we have run an energetic campaign and the response has been to return a full slate of Labour councillors to maintain the momentum we have going forward to improve the lives and opportunities for all of the people of Sandwell.

“It’s been another strong showing for Labour in difficult times nationally in politics with the ongoing Brexit debacle, which must have an impact locally as well.

“However our focus on local issues has clearly resonated with our communities and we will continue with our programme of house-building, protection of green spaces and maintaining all of our libraries and children’s services while keeping a balanced budget in spite of the Tory cuts.”