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Alexander Brock

@alexanderjbrock.bsky.social
156 followers 83 following 299 posts

Journalist. Local Democracy Reporter at Birmingham Live. Stories on BBC News and others. Covering Birmingham City Council + politics and social issues across Brum 📧 alexander.brock@reachplc.com

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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Opinion - Birmingham's future leaders must provide a coalition of cooperation rather than chaos amid immense challenges facing the city
birminghammail.co.uk
Opinion - Brum's future leaders must avoid chaotic coalition
Birmingham faces several pressing issues - a bin strike, fly-tipping woes, housing shortage and road safety emergency to name just a few
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Revived 'Brumderground' system pledge comes under fire - but Tories say 'it's time'
birminghammail.co.uk
Tories defend 'Brumderground' system pledge amid scepticism
Birmingham Tories say an underground system could 'unlock the city's potential' - but others have questioned whether such an endeavour is realistic
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
In the Birmingham Post this week - Brum Labour's bin strike update slammed as 'desperate' and 'pathetic' by political rivals
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
From today's Birmingham Mail - candidates go head-to-head in run-up to crucial 2026 local election
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Would-be leaders of Birmingham Council went head-to-head at a hustings this week There were bins strike promises, predictions of parties being ‘wiped out’ and a call to ‘unite under the British flag’ - full story below
birminghammail.co.uk
Bins strike promises, flag tensions and heated exchanges at hustings
With Birmingham's local elections just days away, party leaders and other candidates were quizzed on bins, uniting the city and more
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Birmingham Labour's leader has told voters that they face a choice between “unity” with his party or “the politics of division with Reform and the independents”
birminghammail.co.uk
Labour leader's bleak picture of Birmingham under Reform UK and independents
Birmingham Council's current leader said the city faces a choice between 'unity or division' in May's local elections
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Birmingham Tory leader warns a 'coalition of chaos' could end up running the city amid an upcoming battle with Reform
birminghammail.co.uk
Brum Tory leader warns of 'real risk' amid battle with Reform
Birmingham Conservative councillor Robert Alden warned that a 'coalition of chaos' could end up running the city
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
'Reform are completely opposite to our values and we won’t touch them.' The Liberal Democrats have not ruled out being part of a coalition running Birmingham City Council – but the party has insisted 'they don’t want a deal with Reform'
birminghammail.co.uk
Birmingham Council coalition not ruled out by Lib Dems
Birmingham 'needs rebuilding', Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said today during a visit to the city
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Birmingham dad left 'frightened' as tensions grow over demolition plans for 'neglected' estate
birminghammail.co.uk
Dad says left 'frightened' as tensions grow over demolition plans
Birmingham City Council's divisive regeneration plans for Druids Heath continue to cause anxiety as the local elections approach
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Major plans for Birmingham’s new HS2 station, which could forever change a key city centre area, were given the green light earlier this month
birminghammail.co.uk
Birmingham HS2 plans set to forever change city centre approved
A Birmingham Council report said the proposals would help create a 'world‑class station and landmark destination'
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
The Green Party has set out its ambition of ‘giving Birmingham hope again’ following a surge in membership under leader Zack Polanski
birminghammail.co.uk
Green Party 'increase election ambitions after Polanski surge'
The Green Party says it wants to 'give Birmingham hope again' after a tough couple of years for the city
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Rats, drugs and 'brazen' fly-tipping - the reality of life in a 'rundown' Birmingham area as a critical election approaches
birminghammail.co.uk
Rats, drugs and 'brazen' fly-tipping - life in 'rundown' area
Residents in the Birmingham ward of Lozells have voiced concerns over the bins strike and fly-tipping as a critical election approaches
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Birmingham councillors across the political spectrum agree that this is most unpredictable election they have ever been involved in
birminghammail.co.uk
Five reasons Birmingham's May election is most unpredictable yet
Birmingham's political future is difficult to forecast with crucial local elections just days away
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Birmingham's unemployment levels were laid bare in a recent council meeting - 28% in Perry Barr and about 25% in Ladywood Kemi Badenoch described those figures to me today as 'absolutely shocking' as the Tories set out their agenda for the May elections
birminghammail.co.uk
'Shocking' unemployment and link to 'shoplifting' according to Kemi Badenoch
One Birmingham councillor recently warned that unemployment stands at “crisis levels” in certain areas within the city
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Gorillaz were on top form in Birmingham last night - here's the five ⭐️ review
birminghammail.co.uk
Gorillaz at bp pulse LIVE review - a spectacle that blends old and new
Gorillaz fans in Birmingham were treated to a thrilling journey that veered through the band's history
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Former West Midlands Mayor Andy Street on why he's back in the political fray, 'divisive' Reform and the upcoming election battle in Birmingham
birminghammail.co.uk
The two reasons spurring former mayor Andy Street back into the political fray
Birmingham Council's all-out election will take place in May - and the Tories face a clash with Reform
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
We asked each main political party in Birmingham how they would 'save' Black Sabbath's iconic birthplace
birminghammail.co.uk
Birmingham election 2026 - how each party would 'save' iconic Black Sabbath pub
An all-out Birmingham Council election is taking place this May - and the city's culture could be a big talking point
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
➡️ 'Turmoil' and 'uncertainty' ➡️ Residents 'regularly having nightmares' ➡️ 'Confidence is collapsing' Residents in Birmingham estate speak out over their mental anguish as anxiety grows over Ladywood's proposed regeneration
birminghammail.co.uk
Major Birmingham regeneration 'giving estate residents nightmares'
Birmingham Council's proposed regeneration project for Ladywood is triggering 'turmoil' and 'uncertainty' for numerous residents
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
New images reveal what future holds for station
bbc.co.uk
New images reveal plan for Birmingham's Curzon Street Station
A mix of old and new is shown in the latest digital artwork for Curzon Street.
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
This week marked one year since the Birmingham bins strike went all-out - here's a look at how we've reached this bleak milestone and what could happen next
birminghammail.co.uk
The long road to one year of Birmingham bins strike turmoil
Birmingham's bins strike went all-out exactly one year ago today - and there's still seemingly no end in sight
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Birmingham has been named as one of Europe’s fastest growing cities despite recent turmoil and unwanted headlines
birminghammail.co.uk
Birmingham named one of Europe's fastest growing cities
Birmingham was described as a place that's "reshaping both its reality and its reputation"
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
As the all-out Birmingham bins strike reached a grim milestone this week, we have spoken to residents bearing the brunt of the action, striking workers and city leaders
birminghammail.co.uk
'Disgusting' reason grandchildren can't visit grandma
As the all-out strike reached a grim milestone, we speak to residents bearing the brunt of the action, Union workers and city leaders
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Dear England at Birmingham Hippodrome reviewed - 'ambitious and uplifting Gareth Southgate drama'
birminghammail.co.uk
Dear England at Birmingham Hippodrome review - 'epic and uplifting'
The heartwarming show, now at Birmingham Hippodrome, follows Gareth Southgate's mission to transform the England squad
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
Shut police station faces demolition for homes
bbc.co.uk
Shut Harborne police station faces demolition for homes
Harborne police station shut in 2023 and a plan for homes on the site is recommended for approval.
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has described the Birmingham bins strike as a “real nightmare” and is urging striking workers to "get back to work"
birminghammail.co.uk
Rachel Reeves urges striking bin workers to 'get back to work'
The Chancellor acknowledged the Birmingham bins strike was having a "damaging impact" on the city's reputation
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Questions raised over potential funding gap for major cycle route project in Birmingham
birminghammail.co.uk
Funding questions raised over major £22.5m cycle route project
Birmingham Council's project is set to create a 'connected corridor’ from the city centre to Longbridge
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Bin workers vote to extend strike into September (from BBC News)
bbc.co.uk
Birmingham bin workers vote to extend strike into September
Industrial action has been affecting recycling collections for more than a year.
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
'Exciting milestone' or 'smoke and mirrors' - the latest budget plans for crisis-hit Birmingham Council have fiercely divided opinion this week
birminghammail.co.uk
'Exciting' or 'smoke and mirrors' - budget plans splits opinion
Birmingham Council says it is no longer 'bankrupt' - but opposition councillors have questioned whether it is back on track
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
“She’s a huge advocate for Birmingham." I asked council leader John Cotton about Sharon Osbourne being invited to stand in the upcoming local elections - here's what he said
birminghammail.co.uk
Can Sharon Osbourne stand in Birmingham's local elections?
An all-out Birmingham Council election is taking place in May - could we see Sharon Osbourne getting involved?
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Birmingham’s striking bin workers and their supporters recently fired a warning to the council’s ruling Labour group ahead of a critical election
birminghammail.co.uk
'Apocalypse' warning to Birmingham leaders as bin strikers say 'settle this'
Birmingham's bins strike is set to be one of the main issues at the heart of the upcoming all-out city council election
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
In under three months' time, there will be a hugely important, all-out election for Birmingham Council🗳️ I'll be visiting areas across Brum in the coming weeks but if there's an issue where you live that you think deserves attention, you can email alexander.brock@reachplc.com
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Birmingham Council’s leader has issued a defiant defence of HS2 amid Reform's calls to scrap the divisive project
birminghammail.co.uk
'Reform not a serious party' - council leader slams calls to axe HS2
Birmingham Council leader John Cotton described HS2 as a "really important part" of the city's next chapter
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
On the front page of today's Birmingham Mail - council leader says ‘bankrupt Birmingham tag now a thing of the past'
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Commissioners overseeing Birmingham Council’s financial recovery are ‘not ready to go’ just yet despite talk of an exit plan
birminghammail.co.uk
Birmingham commissioners at crisis-hit council ‘not ready to go’
Commissioners at Birmingham Council recently praised positive steps being taken - but also warned of ongoing challenges
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Birmingham City Council’s most senior officer this week spoke out on the bins strike negotiations and the “incredibly difficult” hurdles in reaching a resolution
birminghammail.co.uk
Brum council boss on bins strike talks and ‘difficult’ hurdles
The Birmingham bins strike has rumbled on for a year after negotiations came to an end last summer
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Birmingham Council has said its pilot programme to introduce temporary sites for travellers has been delayed again and is ‘not expected to start soon’
birminghammail.co.uk
Council's travellers site plan 'not expected to start soon'
Birmingham Council wants to introduce a pilot programme in a bid to reduce unauthorised encampments
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
'Victory' for Birmingham campaigners as unauthorised car park blocked off at Black Sabbath pub
birminghammail.co.uk
'Victory' for campaigners as action taken at Black Sabbath pub
The Crown in Birmingham, known as the birthplace of Black Sabbath, has been empty for many years
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
One of Birmingham’s striking bin workers has said union members are “determined” to fight on as the bins strike reaches the one year milestone
birminghammail.co.uk
Bin worker's message to Brummies as strike hits one year
The Birmingham bins strike hit the bleak one year milestone this week - and could drag on into the coming months
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Opposition councillors have accused Birmingham Labour of ‘dragging the city’s reputation into the gutter’ after 12 months of bins strike tensions
birminghammail.co.uk
Bins strike - Tories say city reputation 'being dragged into gutter'
This week marks one year since the Birmingham bins strike got under way
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Birmingham residents may still have to wait several months for recycling collections to return as the bins strike reaches the bleak one year milestone
birminghammail.co.uk
Brummies face five month wait for recycling collections to return
The Birmingham bins strike has now rumbled on for 12 months - and it could continue well into 2026
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Stinking piles of waste, furious protests and a giant rat costume... With today marking one year since the Birmingham bins strike began, here's a look at how the saga has unfolded over the past 12 months
birminghammail.co.uk
How bins strike unfolded in 11 moments - and what may happen next
The Birmingham bins strike has brought disruption, tension and more unwanted headlines for the city
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
“You don’t get growth by trashing the planning system." A Birmingham Labour councillor has slammed his own government and called proposed changes a “disaster about to happen”
birminghammail.co.uk
Labour councillor slams government over 'disaster about to happen'
The Birmingham councillor argued that you "don’t get growth by trashing the planning system"
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
“It’s costing us around £30k per day at the minute to go and house our children elsewhere.” Proposals for a safe centre in Birmingham to provide accommodation for highly vulnerable children were narrowly approved earlier today
birminghammail.co.uk
Plans for safe centre for vulnerable children narrowly approved
One Birmingham councillor said he was "more concerned with looking after vulnerable people than preserving a building"
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
The owners of The Crown in Birmingham, known as Black Sabbath’s birthplace, have been told the use of an unauthorised car park on the site should be ceased
birminghammail.co.uk
Demand issued to Black Sabbath pub owners amid council investigation
The Crown in Birmingham, known as the birthplace of Black Sabbath, has been vacant for many years despite its cultural legacy
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
Disruption from the Birmingham bins strike could continue into the first month of 2026 as protesters plan a third ‘megapicket’
birminghammail.co.uk
Third Birmingham Bin Strike 'megapicket' planned to kick off 2026
The striking Birmingham bin workers and their allies are set to continue their protests into next year
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Birmingham City Council faces being hit with a “financial penalty” from the government if it misses a crucial environmental deadline due to the bins strike
birminghammail.co.uk
Council faces 'financial penalty' as deadline set to be missed due to bin strike
Birmingham City Council is planning to begin the rollout of its waste service transformation next June, but it comes too late for a government environmental deadline
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
‘Make Birmingham safe again’ - political clash over call for council to declare public safety emergency
birminghammail.co.uk
Clash over call for council to declare public safety emergency
Birmingham Conservative councillors called for urgent action on violent crime - but the Labour administration says it's already a 'top priority'
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Birmingham City Council's political leaders faced fury over the bins strike amid “unacceptable costs” and the approach of a grim milestone
birminghammail.co.uk
Inside heated council meeting as leaders face bins strike fury
Birmingham Council's political leaders faced angry questions amid 'unacceptable' costs and the prospect of the strike hitting the one year milestone
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Birmingham City Council has said its delayed changes to bin collections are set to go ahead next summer – regardless of whether the strike is still happening or not
birminghammail.co.uk
Five things we learnt about major Birmingham bin changes
Birmingham City Council has said the rollout of the waste service transformation is now set to start in June 2026
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Alexander Brock @alexanderjbrock.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Another Birmingham City Council meeting descended into chaos this week following interruptions from the public gallery Full story: www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midland...
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