Birmingham Moseley By-Election: Candidates, Kerry Jenkins, October Vote

Key Points

• Voters in Birmingham’s Moseley suburb will participate in a by-election later this month following the death of Labour councillor Kerry Jenkins in July 2025 after a short illness.
• Kerry Jenkins represented Labour in Moseley and was described by Birmingham Labour as a “tireless campaigner for social justice, a proud trade unionist, and a dedicated local councillor”.
• The by-election has been called for October 2025 to fill the vacant Moseley council seat.
• Labour aims to retain the seat amid competition from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, Reform UK, and two independent candidates.
• Thousands of residents in the Moseley area are eligible to vote in this local election.

Moseley (Birmingham Express) January 26, 2026 – Voters in Birmingham’s Moseley suburb are preparing to head to the polls later this month for a by-election triggered by the untimely death of much-loved Labour councillor Kerry Jenkins. Jenkins, who represented the ward for Labour, passed away in July 2025 following a short illness, leaving her council seat vacant. Birmingham Labour paid tribute to her as a “tireless campaigner for social justice, a proud trade unionist, and a dedicated local councillor”, highlighting her significant contributions to the community.

The by-election, scheduled for October 2025, will see thousands of residents in the Moseley area exercise their democratic right to choose Jenkins’ successor. Labour, the incumbent party, will be hoping to hold onto the seat against a field of challengers including the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, Reform UK, and two independent candidates. This contest underscores the competitive nature of local politics in Birmingham, where multiple parties and independents are vying for influence in a diverse suburban ward.

What Triggered the Moseley By-Election?

The vacancy arose due to the sad passing of Kerry Jenkins, a Labour representative for Moseley. As reported in the original coverage by the Birmingham Mail, Jenkins died in July 2025 after battling a short illness. The Birmingham Mail detailed that her death prompted the council to call a by-election, a standard procedure under UK local government rules when a seat becomes vacant outside of a general election cycle.

Birmingham Labour issued a heartfelt statement mourning her loss. According to the Birmingham Mail’s reporting, the party described her as a

“tireless campaigner for social justice, a proud trade unionist, and a dedicated local councillor”.

This tribute reflects Jenkins’ longstanding commitment to her constituents, particularly on issues like workers’ rights and community welfare, which were hallmarks of her tenure.

No additional sources beyond the Birmingham Mail’s initial article have emerged with conflicting details on the cause or timing of her death, confirming the event’s straightforward nature as reported. The council’s decision to hold the by-election swiftly ensures continuity in local representation for Moseley residents.

When Is the Vote Taking Place?

The by-election is set for October 2025, as confirmed across the Birmingham Mail’s coverage. Specific dates within the month have not been detailed in the primary reporting, but local election norms in Birmingham typically align such polls with convenient mid-to-late month scheduling to maximise turnout. Voters will receive official polling cards outlining exact times and locations.

This timing allows ample preparation for candidates and the electorate, coming several months after Jenkins’ death to respect a period of mourning while addressing the seat’s vacancy promptly. The Birmingham Mail noted that “thousands of residents will be able to take part”, indicating a substantial electorate in the Moseley ward, known for its active civic engagement.

Who Are the Full List of Candidates?

The Birmingham Mail provided a comprehensive overview of the competing parties and independents. Labour will field a candidate to defend the seat, though specific names were not listed in the initial report. Facing them are representatives from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and Reform UK, alongside two independent candidates.

• Labour: Defending the seat previously held by Kerry Jenkins; no named candidate specified yet in reports.
• Conservatives: Standing to challenge Labour’s hold on Moseley.
• Liberal Democrats: Contesting the by-election with a focus on local issues.
• Green Party: Participating amid growing environmental concerns in suburban areas.
• Reform UK: Entering the fray, potentially appealing to voters disillusioned with major parties.
• Two Independents: Unaffiliated candidates offering alternative voices.

The Birmingham Mail emphasised that Labour

“will be hoping to retain the seat while facing opposition from the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, Reform and two independent candidates”.

This diverse field reflects Moseley’s political pluralism, with no single party dominating unchallenged.

As of the latest available details, no further media outlets have published candidate nominations, but local election filings with Birmingham City Council would confirm the full slate closer to poll day.

Why Is This By-Election Significant for Birmingham Labour?

Labour’s stake in retaining Moseley is high, given Jenkins’ strong legacy. The Birmingham Mail reported that the party views her as a cornerstone figure, with her “tireless” advocacy likely bolstering their local support base. Losing the seat could signal vulnerabilities in Birmingham’s suburban wards, especially post-national elections.

The ward’s demographics, including a mix of urban and residential areas, make it a bellwether for broader trends. Moseley, as described in Birmingham Mail’s area coverage, encompasses community-focused voters who prioritise social justice—issues Jenkins championed. A Labour hold would reaffirm their dominance in the city, where they have historically performed well.

Opponents may capitalise on national discontent, but the personal tribute to Jenkins could rally loyalists. No statements from rival parties were quoted in the Birmingham Mail piece, maintaining focus on the vacancy’s origins.

How Will the By-Election Process Unfold?

Under UK local election protocols, the by-election follows standard procedures: nominations close weeks before voting, campaigns run intensively, and results are declared shortly after polls close. The Birmingham Mail indicated that

“a by-election has been called for October, which thousands of residents will be able to take part in”,

pointing to a straightforward electoral rollout.

Polling stations will be accessible across Moseley, with provisions for postal and proxy voting for those unable to attend in person. Birmingham City Council oversees logistics, ensuring impartiality. Turnout in such by-elections often hovers around 20-30%, though Jenkins’ popularity might boost participation.

Voters must be registered by the deadline, typically 12 working days prior. The result will see the winner serve the remainder of Jenkins’ term, potentially until the next full council elections.

What Do We Know About Kerry Jenkins’ Legacy?

Kerry Jenkins’ death resonated deeply, as per Birmingham Labour’s tribute via the Birmingham Mail. Labelled a

“tireless campaigner for social justice”,

she embodied trade union values and local dedication. Her representation of Moseley highlighted grassroots activism in a suburb grappling with housing, transport, and equity issues.

While specific achievements were not enumerated in the report, her profile suggests impactful work on constituent services. Birmingham Labour’s words—

“a proud trade unionist, and a dedicated local councillor”

—underscore her ideological commitment, likely influencing the by-election narrative.

No other media has contradicted or expanded on this portrayal, cementing her as a unifying figure mourned across political lines.

Who Are the Main Challengers and Their Strategies?

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and Reform UK each bring distinct platforms. The Birmingham Mail listed them without strategies, but local contexts suggest Conservatives emphasising fiscal prudence, Liberal Democrats community services, Greens environmentalism, and Reform UK anti-establishment appeals. Independents often focus on hyper-local concerns like potholes or parks.

Labour’s retention bid leverages Jenkins’ memory, potentially framing the contest as honouring her work. Without quoted statements, attributions remain tied to the Birmingham Mail’s neutral summary.

What Happens After the By-Election?

The victor assumes Jenkins’ duties immediately, influencing Birmingham City Council’s composition. A Labour win maintains status quo; an upset could shift ward dynamics. The Birmingham Mail’s coverage positions this as routine yet poignant, given the circumstances.

Longer-term, it previews full elections, with Moseley’s result under scrutiny. Residents can track updates via council notices.