Councillor Stephen Simkins
City of Wolverhampton Council, Leader
Councillor Stephen Simkins has led the Wolverhampton Labour Group and City of Wolverhampton Council since September 2023, following the passing of his predecessor, Councillor Ian Brookfield. A long serving representative for Bilston South (formerly Bilston East), he brings over two decades of experience and a deep rooted commitment to his community.
Born and raised in Bilston, where he has lived with his family for nearly 60 years, Councillor Simkins has a strong understanding of the everyday challenges residents face. His leadership is shaped by a lifelong connection to the area and a clear sense of duty to champion its people.
He works closely with residents on key issues such as housing, school places, transport, the cost of living crisis and championing reliable bus routes that connect Bilston’s communities. He has also secured major investment for the town’s regeneration, including a £5.2 million transformation of Bilston Outdoor Market into a modern, accessible space with new retail units and public areas.
In addition to this, Councillor Simkins has helped attract investment in new industrial units to boost local employment and played a key role in establishing the Automotive Centre of Excellence in Green Technology on Wellington Road, positioning Bilston as a hub for innovation and sustainability.
A proud advocate of Labour values, fairness, opportunity, and solidarity, Councillor Simkins is guided by the principle of “Looking After Our Own,” ensuring no one in the community is left behind. His leadership reflects a belief that local government should deliver real change and protect the most vulnerable.
Over the past 12 months, he has successfully led the council through the ‘Our Future Council’ programme, Wolverhampton’s strategic plan to address financial pressures by reshaping services, improving efficiency, and aligning resources with community priorities. This work was recognised in 2024 when the Local Government Association (LGA) delivered one of the most positive Peer Review Reports in over a decade, praising the council’s direction, resilience, and commitment to improvement.
Councillor Simkins also plays a key role in regional and national governance. He represents the City of Wolverhampton Council on several strategic bodies including the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) where he is the Portfolio Holder for Economy & Innovation, leading on shaping the region’s economic strategy — driving investment, supporting innovation, and promoting inclusive growth across the West Midlands.
He remains actively involved in the Bilston community through several local initiatives that reflect his commitment to civic life and heritage, including:
- Bilston Remembered Charity Group – Member
- Bilston Relief in Need Charity / Bilston Education Charity – Trustee
- Emma Bussey Trust – Trustee
- Bradley Arm Canal Restoration Group – Board Member
- Bilston Senior Citizens Federation – Member
Councillor Simkins is also a passionate football fan and regular match-goer. He proudly supports both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bilston Town FC, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to local identity and community spirit.
