PRESS RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Simon Holbrook,
Leader, Liberal Democrat Group
Date of Issue: May 21st 2008
Contact number:
07824 431295
|
|
PRESS RELEASE |
|
STATEMENT BY COUNCILLOR SIMON HOLBROOK, Councillor Simon Holbrook , Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, and Deputy Leader of Wirral's new administration said, “The last two very difficult days of negotiations have culminated in what we believe to be the only political arrangement on offer that can deliver stable governance and protect the interests of the people of Wirral. “The leadership of Wirral Council was offered to the Conservatives in a fair and reasonable proposal that reflected the relative strengths of each of the three parties and the recent election results, and was rejected by them. “The Conservative Leader, Councillor Jeff Green, was given every opportunity to take up that offer. “We moved a resolution that offered him the leadership, we went to speak to him and offered him the leadership. We left it on the table throughout the proceedings, and it was not taken up. “Despite being asked several times to flesh out their proposals for a Minority Administration they three times moved the same motion, i.e. to govern as a single party of 24 out of 66 councillors. After two days it was clear that they had given no thought either to how a Conservative Minority Cabinet would work, or to a coherent policy programme. “The Conservatives' uncompromising ‘my way or the highway' attitude throughout these last difficult two days demonstrates that they were never serious about leading this Council, nor were they concerned about the best interests of the people of Wirral. “We have a responsibility to provide a strong and stable administration. “Although not our first option, we believe that this new joint administration is the only way to provide that stability and protect the long term interests of the people of Wirral. “We are proud of the achievements that have been brought about through Liberal Democrat participation in the administration: a stable budget; a below average Council Tax rise; a big improvement in recycling; and a new Corporate Plan focusing on wealth creation and jobs. “After long and protracted negotiations we are now looking forward to building on our achievements.”
|