Labour bids to control council

11:35am Friday 16th May 2008

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THE Labour opposition on City of York Council will attempt to seize power next week, but will be out- voted by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

Labour leader David Scott has secured the backing of the two Green councillors ahead of next Thursday's keynote annual council meeting.

But The Press can reveal the seven Tories will side with the ruling Lib Dems, allowing them to continue in power. Coun Andrew Waller will become council leader, replacing Steve Galloway, who is standing down after five years.

Labour have been planning a coup since last year, after rejecting an all-party coalition executive. Coun Scott said: "We want Labour to take control of the council as a positive step. Labour will give the city back to its residents and stop the dithering and closed-doors decision-making that currently takes place."

He said Coun Waller was "incapable" of leading the council, and said that while he had disagreed at times with Coun Galloway, he recognised he was a leader for York. He said Coun Waller was York's answer to Boris Johnson.

Coun Scott said Labour would also refuse to sign any 12-month agreement, such as that which was in place for 2007/08. Last May, the parties agreed that the Lib Dems would rule as a minority for 12 months, but with no such agreement in place for 2008/09, the Lib Dems' reign could be turbulent and fragile.

Coun Waller said: "I will leave Coun Scott to occupy his time on personal attacks."

He said stability in the council would promote economic success, and also spoke of the need to work in areas of deprivation to improve the quality of life.

Conservative leader Ian Gillies said Labour's attempted takeover was "misguided".

He said: "It has nothing to do with offering a better vision for York and everything to do with the desperation that exists within the Labour Party to claw back some prestige in the wake of its disasters at the polls this month."

Had the Conservatives abstained, Labour could have ousted the Lib Dems with the backing of the Greens and using the casting vote of Labour's new Lord Mayor Brian Watson.

The Conservatives abstained on the final budget vote in February, but Coun Gillies said today: "We are not here to be indecisive."

Andy D'Agorne, leader of the Green Party, said: "Having discussed the options with the leaders of all parties on the council, the Greens have decided to back the Labour group, having secured promises in a number of important policy areas. It will, however, be important for the smooth running of the council to continue the involvement of all parties, just as we have endeavoured to do under a Lib Dem administration this year."

Party leaders set out their priorities for City of York Council

LIBERAL DEMOCRAT

Andrew Waller, who is set to become council leader next week, said: "The priority of the Liberal Democrat team of councillors is to maintain the improvements that have been achieved in standards of public services in the city over the last five years.

"By providing stability to the council we can support the economic prosperity that the city enjoys, while ensuring that work is undertaken to tackle the pockets of deprivation in the city. The Lib Dem group has been keen to uphold the all-party agreements to ensure stable government of the council, such as the regular four party leaders meetings, which take into account the fact that no one party has a majority."

LABOUR

Leader David Scott said Labour's priorities would be tackling climate change, engaging with businesses, and tackling issues within the council such as the high sickness levels.

He also vowed to reinstate the £40 travel token entitlement for over-60s, after it was halved to £20 at this year's budget; to promote more affordable housing; and to ensure residents' training needs were met. He said climate change and doorstep recycling would top the agenda, and said Labour wanted to ensure York "thrives for generations to come".

He said Labour would address "the real problems that exist in the city, problems which five years of a Liberal Democrat council has not been able to remedy".

CONSERVATIVE

Tory chief Ian Gillies said it would be "naïve and predictable" for Labour to suggest there was a "dark conspiracy" between his party and the Lib Dems.

He said: "The Conservatives will support any of the parties that present sensible, responsible proposals for the good of the people of York, as indeed we have joined with the Labour group on a number of occasions." He added: "The Lib Dems are the largest group in the council and, barring a significant reason to override this fact, I believe it would be morally wrong not to acknowledge their right to hold the council leadership."

He said Andrew Waller would have to earn further support.

GREENS

The Green Party said it would support Labour, after receiving a positive response to several of the priorities.

That included extending the proposed recycling pilot to Fishergate as well as The Groves; Green representation at all key meetings, such as on bus services, or parking; establishing a cross-party working group on heritage issues, including development near Clifford's Tower and making York a World Heritage Site; and reviewing the ResPark scheme and charges.

They also won agreement on ruling out waste incineration; speeding up insulation of housing with grant funding; finding better ways to engage with York's whole population; and a research and development policy for 20mph zones on city roads.