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The leader of Birmingham City Council , Labour's John Cotton, has faced a tumultuous year in the spotlight as the city made headlines around the world over its bin strike, a football match ban and the death of a city icon.

He's been under scrutiny over the council's finances, with service cuts and job losses happening on his watch, while also trying to encourage optimism in a city that is striving to look forward.

Over the next six months his every move and decision is likely to be probed as he leads the council's ruling political group into an 'all out' local election next May.

READ MORE: City council probe pledge into 'criminality' claims over collapse of Birmingham housing firm

Nigel Farage's Reform, the Tories , the Lib Dems and the Greens will be joined

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