Tag: Cllr Tom Harney

Wirral Council – Wirral Council 23rd May 2011 – Part 17 – speech (Cllr Steve Foulkes) on Conservative amendments to committee places

Cllr Foulkes said that as the new leader that the Conservatives could put proposals which they would “be here all night over”. The Chair was not likely to use their casting vote. If Jeff Green entrusted the leadership and executive this was churlish. Anything referred from the Employment and Appointments Committee would go back to … Continue reading “Wirral Council – Wirral Council 23rd May 2011 – Part 17 – speech (Cllr Steve Foulkes) on Conservative amendments to committee places”

Cllr Foulkes said that as the new leader that the Conservatives could put proposals which they would “be here all night over”. The Chair was not likely to use their casting vote. If Jeff Green entrusted the leadership and executive this was churlish. Anything referred from the Employment and Appointments Committee would go back to the Executive and it would make initial difficulties.

In relation to the Audit and Risk Management committee there were high levels of training and it acted independently. However things were “not set in tablets of stone”. Cllr Harney said he would like to say a few words. He wanted to discuss these serious issues and what the real intentions were. Was it to be constructive and work together or be a kamikaze? He was not seeking to unbalance things by a positive abstention. They still had the power to change the committee structure and the leadership. His Group [of Lib Dem councillors] would abstain but be open if there were problems. If there were the leader would be asked to take it or leave it, however it was a new ballgame.

Cllr Green proposed the motion, seconded by Cllr Rennie. 26 Conservative councillors voted for, 30 Labour councillors against and 9 Lib Dem councillor abstained so the motion was lost.

The original Labour motion (proposed by Cllr Foulkes, seconded by Cllr Davies) was put to the vote. Thirty Labour councillors voted for, 26 Conservative councillors against and 9 Lib Dem councillors abstained.

Cllr Foulkes said he would provide the other names of Cabinet members later.

Cllr Green asked how can they plan committees when the papers have not yet gone out? How could new members give proper consideration and not risk maladministration?

Wirral Council meeting – 23rd May 2011 – Part 3 – Leader of Lib Dems Cllr Tom Harney

Cllr Harney stated it was not just about changing leader. He also said it was not a no confidence vote. He referred to Lib Dem achievements over the last 4 years and last 12 months on recycling and CO2 reduction, 20mph zones in residential areas and the turnaround of Social Services. He said there had been progress in an open council, engaging and listening and that the results had been clear.

The Lib Dem Group had lost able and experienced councillors such as Simon Holbrook, Bob Moon and Peter Reisdorf. He said it was perverse that the party that caused the debt crisis would benefit from it. He said politics was not fair or logical. He said the Lib Dems had no mandate for the coalition. He said they were not striking deals and there would be no easy ride. He said the onus was on them to find a way with sensible and coherent policies. The Lib Dems would cast their votes accordingly on an issue by issue basis. They would hold Labour to account when they were wrong on the Budget and frontline services. Lib Dems would be watching for the loss of frontline services. They wanted Wirral Council to adhere to the Notice of Motion on engagement and to actively involve people. Anything less that “Wirral’s Future: Be a Part of It” would be a dismal step back. He was waiting for coherent plans to be put forward.

He said they were all in agreement about the big issues and making over £20 million of savings. Once the policies were revealed Lib Dems would respond in detail. He said Labour can’t blame the Coalition and that they would need imagination and creativity to take responsibility for matters rather than passing the buck and blaming others. He said the Lib Dems would be a “critical friend” or a formidable foe. His purpose was to ensure their voices and influence was best used for local people. He conveyed his best wishes for a successful year.