The Conservative group congratulates Councillor Quyyum on becoming the new leader of the council. Labour have agreed a coalition with Peterborough First and the Liberal Democrats, of great concern to the public should be that less than 12 weeks ago, both those groups worked with the Greens put a vote of no confidence in the Labour administration. Earlier in the year, they voted to try and bring down the Labour Budget, which would’ve plunged the council into turmoil and breached our legal obligations to provide services. And now, united by their thirst for power, these Parties need to set aside their differences, overcome the huge rift between their policies, and deliver for the city. With their history it is a coalition of betrayal. How the council can move forward with such a volatile mix of politics we have a great concern for.
The Conservative group counter-proposed an alternative administration that would have been an all-party administration, including Labour. This was voted down in preference of a select few minority parties taking the wheel. The support the Conservative group gave the Labour administration in the vote of no confidence and in supporting the Council budget has long been forgotten. We have been removed from our supportive roles as Chairs, which with our experience we have always offered constructive support.
After blocking their attempted coup and voting for stability on the council ahead of politics, the leaders of the Peterborough First party and the Liberal Democrats previously said “vote Conservative, get Labour”. Less than 12 weeks later we can see that if you vote for Liberal Democrats or Peterborough First, you get Labour: if by voting Labour, they receive allowances and positions of power!
The Conservative group will continue to offer robust challenge in the council chamber, and we will hold the political chameleons to account on their decision making. It has never been more vital to vote in the local elections in May, and we will be making the case in wards across Peterborough to ensure our city and its residents are not betrayed again.