The leader of Sandwell MBC has warned he may look at joining forces with other councils if plans for a Greater Birmingham combined authority do not materialise by Christmas.

Cllr Darren Cooper, who is also chair of the Black Country joint committee, said they would look to strike up a deal with South Staffordshire Council and Telford &Wrekin Council if Birmingham City Council and other council leaders do not sign up by the end of the year.