WARRINGTON Borough Council’s controlling Labour group has been left “in turmoil” according to local Lib-Dems following the resignation and sacking of two cabinet members.
Cllr. Tom Jennings, cabinet member for economic development and innovation, resigned from the cabinet, while his colleague, Cllr, Hitesh Patel, cabinet member for environment, housing and public protection, wrote to colleagues stating he had been “sacked” suggesting as the only BAME person on the cabinet, that colour had played a role in his dismissal.
Taking to social media Cllr Jennings posted his resignation letter dated Monday, February 12, (see below) stating: “The achievements of Labour-led councils are the product of people working together and many hours of hard work over many years; we do not succeed for the benefit of ourselves or our Party but for the communities who place their trust in us.
“As I step back from my Cabinet role, I look forward to dedicating more time to my Ward and in the weeks, months and years to come, will continue to work for Warrington, in any and every way I can.”
Following Cllr Patel’s “sacking” he added another post stating: “Serious words from @CllrHiteshPatel who — prior to last night — was Warrington’s only BAME cabinet member.”
Cllr Patel also took to social media to announce his sacking adding: “The Labour Party is built on fairness & equality & that will continue to drive my work as a ward Councillor… but I do feel that the Labour rule book should be strengthened to ensure people of colour are not punished & undermined because they dare to aspire for greater office.”
Cllr Bob Barr Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group said: “Following last Monday’s Cabinet meeting, which was well conducted and dealt with 640 pages of reports (half of which were confidential), a row has broken out in the Labour administration. I am sure that most in the town had hoped that a change in leadership would lead to less turmoil in the ruling Labour group.
“Instead, a letter to “colleagues”, from a member of the Cabinet sacked immediately after the meeting, has been leaked to a social media group that is strongly critical of the Council. The leak came from their informant who they call “Chatty Rat” someone very well-informed within the Labour group, who has been leaking for years.
“The financial crisis that is causing enormous difficulties for most Local Authorities requires frankness, openness and cross-party cooperation. Instead, in Warrington we get malicious briefings sent to the national press and a warring ruling group.
“Warrington deserves better!”
Cllr Jennings and Cllr Patel have been replaced on the Cabinet by Cllr Nathan Sudworth and Cllr. John Kerr-Brown.
Deputy leader Cllr Janet Henshaw took to social media after the meeting posting: “Integrity is the most important value in politics. Make sure you keep that in mind with all you do,regardless of the power you think you have today. It will not be there forever and then you have to live with yourself.”
After being contacted for a response to the cabinet resignation and “sacking” Cllr Hans Mundry, Leader of the Council said:”I’d like thank Councillor Patel and Councillor Jennings for their work on the Cabinet.
“And I am happy to announce our newest cabinet members, Councillor Nathan Sudworth and Councillor John Kerr-Brown.
“Councillor Sudworth will take on the Economic Regeneration and Innovation portfolio with Councill Kerr-Brown taking on the Environment and Public Protection portfolio.
“As the new leader I look forward to setting out our vision and plan for Warrington over the coming weeks.”
Integrity is the most important value in politics. Make sure you keep that in mind with all you do,regardless of the power you think you have today. It will not be there forever and then you have to live with yourself
— Janet Henshaw (@JanetHenshaw5) February 13, 2024
The achievements of Labour-led councils are the product of people working together and many hours of hard work over many years; we do not succeed for the benefit of ourselves or our Party but for the communities who place their trust in us.
As I step back from my Cabinet role, I… pic.twitter.com/n8aERkqd20
— Tom Jennings (@ItsTomJennings) February 12, 2024
Serious words from @CllrHiteshPatel, who — prior to last night — was Warrington’s only BAME cabinet member. https://t.co/Jk9fUsSjVM
— Tom Jennings (@ItsTomJennings) February 13, 2024
Warrington Borough Council’s new look cabinet
6 Comments
It would have been more appropriate to have been expected frankness, openness, honesty and integrity (see Nolan Principles and obligations) displayed towards the council tax payers of Warrington by the Labour administrations these recent years, whilst the Borough’s questionable finances were being deliberately shrouded in smoke and mirrors. And not to put too fine a point on it….secrecy. Sadly that is what we have come to expect. Why did no one in the Labour administration raise the evident concerns of council taxpayers at the time they were expressed in these columns and elsewhere?
Because they cannot accept failure and incompetence
They have failed local council taxpayers and in so doing have shown themselves to be craven and incompetent. Now they are in disarray whilst trying to regain the confidence of their constituencies (with the forthcoming elections in mind) by belatedly distancing themselves from the actions of the Labour Executive. They lacked the courage to do so when the Executive was being challenged by informed council taxpayers. Warrington voters deserve better FHS.
Im sure they won’t be lonely after the local elections in May alot more labour councillors will be picking up their P45s
Why does his colour have to come into it? He got elected on his talents i hope so clearly no racism there. Why was he sacked, maybe we could be the judge of it
As positron pointed out they have taken themselves out of the frame to stop the finger being pointed at them for being part of the Labour cabinet of WBC for causing the mess of WBCs finances and mountain of 2 billion pounds of debt the residents of Warrington have incurred