West Bromwich MP, Shaun Bailey spoke in the House of Commons yesterday and said that Sandwell's Labour-run council was an "embarrassment".

Government commissioners were appointed by Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove to oversee what was described by external auditors as a "deeply troubling picture of mismanagement and of ineffective scrutiny and accountability arrangements".

The authority said a recent survey showed satisfaction with its work.  Commissioners have reported that the council has made "considerable progress"with the authority now able to "demonstrate self-awareness and a maturity that was previously absent".

The MP made the statement during a session to debate an amendment to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill which would allow authorities to meet virtually. In addition, he has aunched a petition calling for Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council to be abolished and said the authority "doesn't do its job properly". He said:

"It is time for Sandwell to go, it has been an embarrassment for the last 50 years, and we need to put it in the bin.

Sandwell Council leader Kerrie Carmichael said a recent survey of residents showed residents had scored it 5% higher than the national benchmark for overall satisfaction level with its work. She added: "Sandwell is a great place full of people who look out for each other and get things done.

"From our work to support vulnerable children and adults to maintaining our highways and parks, we're always looking to deliver the best possible services for our community."