Frustration, apathy and hope: Birmingham divided as extraordinary election looms

Frustration, apathy and hope: Birmingham divided as extraordinary election loomsJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleRebecca WoodsandKathryn Stanczyszyn,in BirminghamGetty ImagesWill Labour hold on to control in Birmingham for another term? There is something in the air in Birmingham and it's not the faint whiff of overflowing wheelie bins.The UK's second city could be about to see the biggest political shake-up in more than a decade.Labour has been in power here for 14 years, but come polling day on 7 May that could all change.The unresolved 14-month long bin strike and council bankruptcy - something the authority insists is now in the past - means confidence in the leadership is shaky to say the least.Add in the political uncertainty nationally and what will happen in the local election is anyone's guess.Polls suggest Birmingham's electorate has fully embraced five-party politics, with a healthy number of independent candidates giving city voters a sixth option.Reform UK is feeling confident in several parts of the city, with the Green Party and independents anticipating gains amid a rising tide of frustration.It means the make-up of the council - Labour currently holds 65 of 101 seats - could significantly change in just over two weeks' time. However, it's possible that those who have always ticked Labour will continue to do so. Mark ThomasEnding the bin strike is a top priority for many candidates"That's what will happen here, I'm sure of it," says one man walking along Sparkhill's Stratford Road."I'm telling you, there are many older people here and they will see the red rose and they will vote Labour, because that's what they've always done."This bustling thoroughfare is filled with independent south Asian shops, cars, shoppers and a strong community spirit.There are several independent candidates running here, like other parts of the city; some with shared values have formed...