For the past 15 years it has been simple: the Conservatives had a clear majority and were in total control of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.

That changed after borough residents went to the polls last week.

As results came through it was obvious the Reform UK surge – from having no councillors less than a year ago – had complicated matters for the Tories.

And as the count was nearing the end the Conservatives were getting desperate to reach the magic number required of 26. They got to 24, short of a majority by just two.

Following the vote the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) spoke to Conservative leader Cllr Karen Grinsell who told us she now intends to run the council as a minority administration.

Asked if she would work with other parties she replied: "We are still the largest party".

Reform UK – who at the time of writing had not selected a group leader – have 17 councillors, Liberal Democrats have six and the Green Party have four.

Added together that combined opposition to the Tories is 27 councillors and, in theory, they could unite to form a three way rainbow coalition to run the council.

But there appears no signs or appetite for that.

Cllr Ade Adeyemo, the leader of the Liberal Democrats group on the authority, told the LDRS: "I can safely say no coalitions.

"We have no intention of combining with anybody whatsoever."

Cllr Adeyemo said the new era meant the Conservatives now had to change their thinking.

"They need to change from the mindset to assume they have a right to put forward whatever they like and vote it through regardless," he said.

"The fact they have to consider other people, it is a good thing for Solihull."

Cllr Max McLoughlin, leader of the Green group on the authority, said: "The way the Conservatives operated in the past they haven't tried to develop consensus in the chamber.

"They will need to mature quickly. If not it will only negatively affect residents in Solihull.

"No one wants to see the council chamber squabbling. It doesn't lead to good decisions, it would damage the reputation of the council."

He argues the "only way" Solihull can now be effectively governed would be moving to a committee system – where decisions are made by politically balanced committees of councillors.

The first key moment of this new era is scheduled for May 26 when the first full council meeting takes place.

This has often been ceremonial in the past but, with the outcome of vital votes currently unclear, that meeting could provide an insight into the council's future.