Trace the path of Wolverhampton’s journey through the life of one of its most dedicated public servants.
From Healthcare to Local Leadership
Sandra Samuels began her career serving in the NHS—spending nearly four decades as a nurse, theatre sister, and manager at Queen Elizabeth Hospital—before pivoting to public life.
In 2004, fuelled by a passion for equality and social justice, she was elected as a councillor for Park Ward, taking her first steps into local politics Though she lost that seat in 2007, her determination did not waver.
Ettingshall Election: A Remarkable By-Election
On 26 March 2009, Sandra made history—once again—by winning a by-election for Ettingshall Ward. Her election was extraordinary: she secured her seat before a single vote was cast, after the Conservative nominee was disqualified due to paperwork errors and the Liberal Democrats chose not to stand. The win also restored Labour as the largest single party on the Council
From that moment, Sandra became a steadfast representative of Ettingshall—working hard alongside colleagues on vital local issues like community safety, housing improvements, and health services.
Leadership at the Council Table
Over the years, Sandra took on numerous leadership roles. She served on the Council’s Cabinet, became Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, and chaired the Health and Wellbeing Board. She also led the charge on public health initiatives—launching the citywide “Call to Action” against obesity in 2014 and promoting the wildly successful “Beat the Street” movement, which encouraged walking, running, and cycling across Wolverhampton
A committed community activist for nearly 30 years, she helped establish the Heritage Centre in Whitmore Reans—an AfricanCaribbean community hub that remains central to cultural cohesion in the city.
Recognition and Milestones
In 2016, Sandra was awarded an OBE for her political service and dedication to local government. She collected the honour from the Prince of Wales at a profoundly proud moment at Buckingham Palace
Her momentum continued. In May 2022, she made history as Wolverhampton’s first mayor of AfricanCaribbean heritage—and only its eleventh female mayor During her mayoralty, Sandra championed community-led charities, supported mental health and palliative care organisations, and celebrated her Jamaican heritage while elevating representation and pride.
Looking to the Future
In September 2022, Sandra announced she would stand down at the 2023 local elections—capping off nearly two decades of unwavering service to Ettingshall and the city she so deeply loves
