THE man in charge of leisure and culture in York has been dramatically sacked.

Coun Christian Vassie was booted off the City of York Council executive, after two years in the job.

He was ousted as executive member for leisure, culture and social inclusion at the Liberal Democrats’ annual general meeting. He will be replaced by Coun Nigel Ayre after this month’s annual council meeting, if the Lib Dems retain control of the city, as expected.

Coun Vassie said: “I am, of course, disappointed at being sacked. It has been a privilege to be able to use my 20 years’ professional experience in the arts to further cultural provision in York.”

He will remain as the Lib Dems’ candidate for York Central at the next general election.

Coun Vassie, a composer before he joined the council in 2003, was openly critical of the executive in January, when it vetoed moves to put a big wheel in North Street gardens. He is known to have been at loggerheads with some of his executive colleagues in recent months but has been heavily involved in work on a range of high-profile projects, including the Barbican Centre, the development of the City Archives, the redevelopment of the city’s libraries, Illuminate York, the Mystery Plays, and promoting swimming.

In a statement to The Press last night, he said: “I was proud to support the tourism sector, local businesses and the clearly expressed view of residents, in supporting the retention of the big wheel.

“It was a mistake to turn it away.”

He defended his record in office, saying the council’s culture rating from the Audit Commission had risen from two stars to three at the last inspection, at the same time as the council’s overall score fell.

Speaking on his sacking, Coun Vassie said: “After a decade of talk, we have an exciting future for the city archives. Having transformed Acomb library, a partnership with Aviva will revamp our central library. The work of our libraries is recognised nationally as best practice.

“I have worked to bring the community stadium to life as the nation’s first ‘solar stadium’. I am delighted that the Sports Minister, Sport England, and Yorkshire Forward are enthusiastic. I was proud to support the tourism sector, local businesses and the clearly expressed view of residents, in supporting the retention of the big wheel. It was a mistake to turn it away, especially in the middle of a recession. Our future prosperity depends on tourism and the breadth of our cultural offer. On social inclusion, we have made good progress, finding new and practical ways of engaging with both public and staff to create a city where everyone can feel safe and welcome. None of this happens by itself. We must continue showing imagination, purpose and vision to move the city forwards.”

Coun Janet Looker, the council's shadow executive member leisure, culture and social inclusion said: “I was sorry, but perhaps not surprised to see one of the few effective members of the Liberal Democrat executive lose his position. Christian and I often had our differences but I always respected his enthusiasm and will to get things done.”

Council leader Andrew Waller said: “Christian is taking a break from the executive to concentrate on the York Central seat in the run-up to the general election. We will reveal our full executive line-up early next week.”

Housing chief stands down

YORK’S housing and social services chief has stood down, The Press understands.

At the Liberal Democrat AGM, Coun Sue Galloway, was replaced by Coun Jonathan Morley as the party’s spokesperson for housing and adult social services.

If the Lib Dems retain control of the city after this month’s annual council meeting, Coun Morley will join the executive.