It is now official - I am no longer the Leader of Inverclyde Council.
Congratulations to my Labour colleague Iain McKenzie on his appointment as the new Leader. I am sure that he will do a first class job.
All the talk of a challenge from the opposition parties came to nothing as they failed to put up a candidate. Mind you they did ask if they could abstain from supporting Iain's appointment until it was politely pointed out to them that you cannot actually abstain if there is no vote.
The Labour Group has now formed a new coalition with Independent Ronnie Ahlfeld, Tory David Wilson and former Lib Dem, now Liberal, Councillor George White. This new arrangement should give the Council political stability through to the next Council elections in May 2012.
The people of Inverclyde can rest easy again tonight.
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You should be trying for a labour majority next year.Ive heard talk of coalitions being the norm,but I would hope you fight for full control and dont settle. The behaviour of those who are backing you seems very insecure and volatile ,and they will join with whoever offers them a better deal which could be SNP next year.
ReplyDeleteMartin
We will be working to maximise the number of Labour Councillors elected in May 2012 but the STV system makes it extremely difficult for us to secure an outright majority, Martin. Obviously however the more Labour Councillors we have the stronger our bargaining position will be and the fewer 'others' we need to work with.
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