A High Court judge has said he will rule at 10am tomorrow (Friday) whether the explosive Wragge Report into alleged corruption at Sandwell Council will be published.

Melanie Dudley, assistant chief executive of Sandwell Council, said: “Following a High Court hearing this evening (THU), Judge Cranston has said he will deliver his judgment tomorrow (FRI) on whether or not the Sandwell Council-commissioned report by Wragge & Co (now Gowling WLG) and the legal opinion of an independent QC can be published.

“Judge Cranston stated the reports cannot be published ahead of tomorrow’s judgment.”

The report was due to be published at 5pm today but one minute beforehand Sandwell Council revealed another legal challenge had held it up.

The Sandwell Council leadership election is due to take place tomorrow evening at Oldbury Council House.

However, the pro-publishing of the report and acting leader of Sandwell Council Cllr Steve Eling has been barred from standing due to a technicality.