Copeland Labour party blinks

Copeland council's Labour group have been saying for three weeks of what turned out to be empty posturing that they would refuse to join the newly-elected Independent mayor's executive, but changed their minds at a last minute decision-making meeting shortly before the annual meeting of the council.

New mayor Mike Starkie has now appointed an executive which consists of himself and three councillors, Copeland’s Labour leader Lena Hogg as deputy mayor, Conservative leader David Moore and David Banks (Labour).

Mr Starkie said the decision comes after “positive discussions” with the Labour, Conservative and independent groups.

The executive members will each be have a portfolio – an area of responsibility – in which they will have a key role in forming policies and setting budgets.

Mike Starkie added:

“We now have a council full of members that will work together for the benefit of Copeland.

“This is a big step forward for the borough because it’s the first time that the council is working as a unified force for the people of Copeland.”

Labour had faced a public backlash following their comments shortly after the district elections that  they would not accept seats on Mr Starkie’s executive. However, either a belated realisation that they would be limiting their effectiveness on the council, or the very negative reaction of voters, appears to have changed their minds.

Comments

Jim said…
Look, tell it like it is.

Copeland Labour needed a Kick up the backside, namely for the gross mis-management of the council over the last few years.

they got one, as the voters insisted on an elected mayor, they tried to snuff that with the wage cap - and failed. They then tried to snuff the mayor with the "not joining in" line

the point now is they have had their backsides kicked into place, I do only hope it is finally for the good of the people of Copeland
11:02 pm
Chris Whiteside said…
I hope so too
7:19 pm
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