THE leader of the Tory opposition group at Warrington Borough Council has welcomed news the Labour leader and deputy are stepping down.
Following the news that Cllrs Russ Bowden and Cathy Mitchell are stepping down by not seeking re-election next May, the Leader of the Opposition, Conservative Cllr. Nigel Balding, Birchwood, said: “I very much welcome that there is now an opportunity for a change of direction at Warrington Borough Council. I’d like to urge the Warrington Labour Group to quickly elect a new Leader and Deputy Leader. I’d urge them to find councillors committed to more openness and transparency, with more respectful language and less ambition to gamble on investments.”
He added: “There is much to do between now and May 2024, not least decisions for a budget for the financial year 2024/25 which is due to be agreed in February. I hope that there are Labour Councillors willing to take up the reins in a new administration before elections in May and to set the council on a new course. I encourage everyone to work together urgently to make the necessary changes before Christmas, so we can breathe a sigh of relief and Warrington can move on.”
It follows letters from Cllr Bowden and Mitchell being sent out on Saturday and Sunday.
It’s understood Cllr Bowden alerted Labour members on Friday by email, before issuing a letter by email on Saturday to the media.
Cllr Mitchell sent out an email to members on Sunday, shortly before, going public.
One Labour member who hadn’t been able to check their emails first found out reading the news on Warrington Worldwide!
Others have been left shocked by the sudden announcements which came just days after the Tory leader had called for their resignations.
One Labour member told Warrington Worldwide: “I think we are all in shock – and I would say that I am a little bit concerned as to why now?”
Both Cllr Bowden and Cllr Mitchell said their decisions had been influenced by pressures on themselves and their families.
Deputy follows in leader’s footsteps and not seeking re-election
1 Comment
We want to see the accounts of the last 5 years signed off first to see what financial position we are in . Then we need to sort the mess out that these 2 have left us in .