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Tories demand to take control

12:38pm Friday 2nd May 2008

comment Comments (40)   Have your say »


WIRRAL'S Tory leader came out fighting after last night's ballot box success by demanding his group must now take total control of the authority.

As voters gave Labour a bruising - four wards were lost to Conservatives making them the largest single council group - Cllr Jeff Green told the Labour and Liberal Democrats to "stand aside".

>"Clearly, though, we are no longer the largest party"

Steve Foulkes

He insists that a Labour/LibDem coalition which was formed to seize power at the town hall 12 months ago must now be scrapped allowing Tory rule.

And he says the first thing they will do is torpedo Wirral's "outrageous and unwanted bin tax" - a new bylaw brought in under the guidance of Liberal Demorcats to fine people £100 for failing to follow their wheelie-bin recycling rules.

He said: "The people of Wirral have told Labour and the LibDems that they do not want this backroom-dealing coalition to carry on.

"Labour and the LibDems should remember it's not about the egos of individual councillors clinging onto power - it's about the people they represent. And the ballot box has told them in no uncertain terms that there is no trust in this pact.

"I'm sure the electorate would be disgusted if this coalition does decide to limp on in some Mugabesque deal."

Last night, Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Simon Holbrook said that it was too early to make a decision: "It is up to the Tories to come to us with their ideas. I'm not ruling anything in and I'm not ruling anything out.

"Our agreement with the Labour group was only scheduled to last for 12 months. We will have to have some time to think about where we go from here."

The Labour leader and current leader of the council Steve Foulkes, meanwhile, said there would no quick decisions made before the results could be analysed properly.

"I am not going to make any decisions in haste," he said. "My first priority as leader is to my group and we will be meeting on Sunday to discuss what happened at the election.

"We have to recognise the democratic decision that has been made by the voters, but the last thing you should do either personally or politically after a night like that is to make any rash decisions.

"The Tories have to have their own annual general meeting yet and they can be a fractious lot. It's not beyond them to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

"So we'll meet as a group on Sunday to analyse what's happened and understand what has gone wrong.

"Clearly, though, we are no longer the largest party which have us some legitmacy, so we'll have to look at and deal with that."

The Conservative group now has 24 seats, Labour 21 and LibDems 20. There is one Independent Conservative councillor.

A surprise result of the Mayday poll was that Leasowe ward was gained from Labour by the Tories, an event which has never happened since the reorganisation of local government in 1974.

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Your Say YourWirral Globe

Steve the sniper, Noctorum says...
2:11pm Fri 2 May 08

I agree with Councillor Green - Stand aside Councillor Foulkes make way for the new dawn. The Cavalry is here and ready for duty - fear not good people they will right the wrongs, dot the i and cross the t. Add sh in front and no longer will the council rose beds lack vital nutrients, they will produce tonnes of it, twice as thick and thrice the aroma.

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john, says...
2:25pm Fri 2 May 08

The Libs and Labour have a funny idea about democracy. In Liverpool didn't they persuade someone to go Independant or something. Basically they we're going to loose power and it was like change their name so they wouldn't. It's outragious.

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Glenn, Greasby says...
8:32pm Fri 2 May 08

Some good posts here guys!

It does appear that Cllr Foulkes is happy to blame national issues for the poor show by Labour!

Wrong again Steve!!!!!

Although I don’t believe Jock Brown is doing a very good job in charge, I voted last night for the first time in a local election.

And why?

Because I wanted to see the end of people like Cllr Gardiner who is part of that joke called the ‘Planning Committee’.
She just hung on (only 75 vote’s majority)!!!

As Dave & Dave have said previous we want strong councillors who will be able to run the council and not be scared to challenge those in our office and then, and only then, will we see the back of the likes of Maddox, Green, Anderson etc!!!

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Ray Rowland, Noctorum says...
9:20pm Fri 2 May 08

"The Tories have to have their own annual general meeting yet and they can be a fractious lot. It's not beyond them to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

What is "snatch defeat from the jaws of victory" supposed to mean.
Another ffoulkes bloomer (aren't I polite)

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Dave Rimmer, Wallasey says...
10:33pm Fri 2 May 08

Well spotted Ray....I missed that one...Indeed as you say what is that supposed to mean. I suggest we invite Councillor Foulkes onto the post to explain his meaning, unless of course the Globe have mis-quoted him.

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MrDemocracy, Wallasey says...
9:48am Sat 3 May 08

The electorate say the Conservatives should be running our council. Thats democracy. Any other arrangements, pacts are personal agreements and is a blantant disregard for the man and women who pay this very high council tax and a disgraceful attitude. Ignoring the decisions of the people will come back and haunt you. We are not stupid. You can count the good councillors (all sides)on one hand, the rest are on a power trip and will hang on for grim death as long as they get to make the decisions.Take it on the chin, be a man, or woman!

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Andy, Moreton says...
10:36am Sat 3 May 08

"I am not going to make any decisions in haste," he said. "My first priority as leader is to my group and we will be meeting on Sunday to discuss what happened at the election

This shows quite clearly where his loyalties sit. Correct me if I am wrong but shouldn't his first priority be the electorate? Cronyism has ruled long enough - let's have people who represent the electororate please!!

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Rosa, Prenton says...
10:37pm Sat 3 May 08

This was a farce of an election & not democratic at all.
From what I read, only about a third of eligible voters turned out to vote on average.
I think that the HIGHEST turnout was less than 50% and the LOWEST was around 27%..This shows an extreme disinterest in Politics and Politicians on Wirral.
It is a triumph of voter APATHY not a victory for anybody.
Lets get all Political parties out of local government & stop the infighting, Please !

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Steve, Wirral says...
9:26am Sun 4 May 08

Where are we Ziimbabwi? get the hell out of that chair and for once in your misrable corrupt lives do what the electorate has voted for.

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MRdemocarcy, wallasey says...
2:33pm Sun 4 May 08

A farce?? Legal, well organised, open and accountable. Thats a way off the mark comment. .Democracy means accepting the majority decision even if it is not one you supported. That includes not voting. Every eligible person over 18 has the lawful right to vote and has the right not to vote as well.
Mind you the point about local government becoming notpolitically based has true value.

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Steve Davies, Prenton. says...
3:09pm Sun 4 May 08

Voter apathy can grow out of a multitude of reasons. Two of the most shameful being that far too many believe that a vote cast will change nothing and however runs our country or council nothing will improve. Then there is the 'what's in it for me?' crowd. They won't do out for nowt. Give e'm a free baseball cap and a burger and they'll walk barefoot on glowing embers - but vote? Nah, clashes with Corrie, enders, etc. I also believe it's high time party politics was kicked out of local affairs. Politically sponsored councillors seem to spend as much time knocking chunks off each other as they do sorting out problems. They should ALL work for the common good.

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Ronald McGee, Wallasey says...
9:17am Tue 6 May 08

It was nice to see the return of the old liberal party in Prenton, keep up the good work of raising real liberal issues.

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john, says...
10:53am Tue 6 May 08

I presume the old liberal party is like the new one? Ummming and arrring,abstaining,t
his way and that and then making a behind the scenes deal with labour(would that be new or old? I forget)

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glenn fleetwood, moreton says...
3:12pm Tue 6 May 08

Like many of the readers who post views here, i am fed up of ALL political parties.Our communities should be run by the people who live here.When some politician says they know what's best for their area because they live there it is all just hot air because if they did know what was best then none of us would be complaining!!They are so out of touch with residents and so far up their party leader's backside it's unbelievable.They just don't listen.There are some councils in this country which are run by local residents and are completly independent from any party politics,needless to say,they are incredibly successful.I stood in the recent local elections for Leasowe and Moreton east as an independent to try and give a voice to us who live here.Unfortunately the Local media gave all the coverage to Labour/tory/liberals

...now is that fair,unbiased journalism?Anyway,I got 147 votes and i'm very grateful to every
single person who voted for me.The overall turnout was very low which was unfortunate because this time there really was an alternative.However, i will step up my campaign next time and hopefully persuade voters that there is someone out there prepared to stand up for what they want.

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Ian Lewis, Wallasey says...
4:26pm Tue 6 May 08

"When some politician says they know what's best for their area because they live there it is all just hot air because if they did know what was best then none of us would be complaining!!They are so out of touch with residents and so far up their party leader's backside it's unbelievable.They just don't listen."

Glenn - I'm sorry we didn't get to speak at the Town Hall but I have NEVER said I know what is best for the area. What I have done is carry out postal surveys (7,700 people so far this year) and door-to-door surveys. The issues that people raise with me are the issues that I then try to pursue. I can't promise to solve every problem, nobody can, but I do promise to try my best. Like you, I am grateful to the people who voted for me.

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Dave Rimmer, Wallasey says...
9:21pm Tue 6 May 08

Councillor Lewis..congratulatio
ns on you win at the recent local elections. It is nice to know that at least one politician looks at his local Newspapers site. I hope the comments from the electorate gives you an idea of the feeling of your constituents. I am sure you will be aware of my severe criticisms of certain members of staff of MBW for what I, along with a number of other contributors, consider to be incompetence. Now you are in a position, I urge you to take as much action as is possible to rectify the incompetent staffing. No, I am not one of your constituents but a number of residents from your ward are calling for the same action. Thanks for listening.

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peter evans, claughton says...
11:35pm Tue 6 May 08

Rest assured Dave that Ian seems to have already booked a few meetings with council officials to discuss some issues. I would advise him to ask Green some straight questions, otherwise Ian will come out non the wiser as to what Green actually does. Hint- ask him about the Brimstage road holes and other issues that have been in the papers concerning the dereadful state of the roads, and why it took the council so long to take any action to repair dangerous stretchs of road.

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Dave Rimmer, Wallasey says...
1:07am Wed 7 May 08

I am sure you are right Peter, and lets hope the other new councillors have some impact on all the questions that are being asked of the council.

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Steve the sniper, Noctorum says...
4:24am Wed 7 May 08

I remember the last time Ian Lewis served as a councillor in Wirral. He was pretty capable then, he's slightly older now so I would think on the face of it one of the better changes to come out of last Thursday. I sincerely hope that Glenn Fleetwood keeps at it - we really do need people outside the control of party politics to put things into perspective.

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glenn fleetwood, moreton says...
10:18am Wed 7 May 08

Ian,thanks for your comments.I appreciate that you are trying to do your best for the community.The problem is that people never see things getting done which we all expect to get done.We are all given promises at election time and they are either never fulfilled or they do the exact opposite of what they tell us.We are in a 'them and us' situation.Why?Becaus
e we are never listened to and we are treated with contempt by politicians.We're all supposed to be on the same side here.I hope none of these comments apply to you but, in general,we are treated with contempt by politicians.I hope you listen and speak up for what people want-and not just what the minority of your supporters want-only 20% of your constituents voted for you.That is a sad indictment of how the electorate feels about it's leaders.

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Dave, says...
7:08pm Wed 7 May 08

So the Tories think that 24 out of 66 is a majority.

Dear me.

Say what you like about Foulkes, but at least he could count.

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peter evans, says...
10:44pm Wed 7 May 08

It's about the only thing he was good at! The guy has been a disaster for the wirral, and he cannot leave too quickly. Good riddance.. step down with some honour instead of grubbily trying to cling onto power like politicians try and do. The electorate have sent you a pretty clear message with the number of seats you have lost. We don't want you as leader of this council, and we don't want the lib-lab pact to continue.

Time and time again you have all failed to hold certain council officials to account, it's like how the tories were a few years ago, but they at least appeared to have learnt some lessons. You on the otherhand live in denial.

This wasn't a vote against the government, it was a vote aginst the discredited administration of this borough. Whether it be certain councillors or certain officials, the message is the same. Go.

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Steve Davies, Prenton says...
8:56am Thu 8 May 08

24 0ut of 66 That's right. But good old Cllr Green won't let a trifling detail such as this stand in his way. He is smelling victory, however marginal. What is this likely to mean for the saps who foot the bill? Well at least another year of hung council because whichever way you look at it the conservatives haven't been able to persuade enough of us that they are the party to lead. Kick the lot out and let's go for a non-political council! Real people representing real people and not massaging their egos at our expense!

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peter evans, says...
9:05am Thu 8 May 08

Steve Davies wrote:
24 0ut of 66 That\'s right. But good old Cllr Green won\'t let a trifling detail such as this stand in his way. He is smelling victory, however marginal. What is this likely to mean for the saps who foot the bill? Well at least another year of hung council because whichever way you look at it the conservatives haven\'t been able to persuade enough of us that they are the party to lead. Kick the lot out and let\'s go for a non-political council! Real people representing real people and not massaging their egos at our expense!
Steve, I agree with you by politicians, but realisitically a the moment, it's not going to happen.

I disagree with your comment that the Conservatives don't have a mandate to take power- yes they fall short of the 345 seats required, but you have to look at it in the context that only 10 seats were contested, and Labour lost 4 of them! That would sugest a pretty big swing were the whole council to have been up for election.

I would take anyone as leader at the moment if it means Foulkes steps down. Sick of listening to his grating voice.


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Dave Rimmer, Wallasey says...
12:52pm Thu 8 May 08

The more and more this argument about council incompetence goes on, the more and more I come to the conclusion the politically alligned councillors should not be running local authorities. The idea of non political councillors running the borough very much appeals to me. Could this be a possibility?

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Dave, says...
2:02pm Thu 8 May 08

Just re-read the article and saw that the Tory has brought up Mugabe.

This from a man who thinks that having 24 out of 66 councillors gives him a majority.

Priceless !

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Dave, says...
2:37pm Thu 8 May 08

I like the idea of having non party political councillors.

The problem is, none ever stand (in my ward anyway).

Any of you chaps ever thought of having a go ?






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Dave Rimmer, Wallasey says...
5:04pm Thu 8 May 08

Dave...I am sure one or two of us on the site have been tempted but I have never looked into how you go about it. Glenn Fleetwood could perhaps enlighten us as to what is involved, what are the costs and any pitfalls. I dont know how Glenn feels only getting 147 votes but I would ask the question why.....is it voter apathy, are they frightened of a non political person, did Glenn get himself out and about with a campaign. Could a non political party be set up, would it work, how much would it cost to set up. All interesting questions, anyone got the answers?

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Dave, says...
11:12pm Thu 8 May 08

I bet you could have a go as the non-political candidate if you had a big issue to rally people around.

There's even an independant MP who made it by standing to save a local hospital.

No idea about the finances, but if you had the community behind you I don't suppose you'd need more than some leaflets.

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Alan, Wallasey says...
11:29pm Thu 8 May 08

Sorry to be harping on about it but I have stated before that in the 50's and 60's in New Brighton, some people got fed up of party politics and formed their own group.

This went under the banner of the ratepayers party and they were extremely successful. They were local people that knew virtually everyone and their problems. They went out and spoke to the locals and canvassed support. When was the last time any of the major parties did that?

Surely now is the time for a Council tax payers party but without the nonsense that goes with party politics? I hope that makes sense?

I'd have a go but having a go is not necesarily what is needed in this modern age. We need intelligent switched on people who have no political agenda but just want to do what is best for the area and the people who live in it. Not much to ask is it really?

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marje, says...
8:38am Fri 9 May 08

COUNCIL TAX PAYER'S PARTY.Sounds ok to me,so come on Dave R and Alan from Wallasey,you both put across valid argument's on issues and deem to be fair minded,get the ball rolling that's what we need intelligent switched on people like yourself's.

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glenn fleetwood, moreton says...
11:34am Sat 10 May 08

Anyone can stand as a councillor,the problem,like you say,is voter apathy.I can understand completely why so few people turn out,because i am one of them.We are all tired of our community being run by people who are divided amongst themselves.How can our community be run by people who are constantly arguing with each other?I decided to stand in the election at the last minute and found it very easy to become a candidate.I would encourage anyone who is fed up of political parties bickering amongst themselves instead of running our community, to stand in the next election.If you want to get anything done you'll have to do it yourself.You can tell the council what you would like doing till you're blue in the face but nothing will ever get done because they are not working for the common good but for their own agendas.Some councillors might actually try and do something but because the council is fundamentally split into different parties,no agreement,and therefore no action is ever taken.If you want to stand at the next election i would advise you to start your campaign well before the time.I didn't realise how many people are out there!Because i was so short on time i only managed to post leaflets.Next time i will go round talking to people door to door-but i can tell you that it will take months,but it will be well worth it if we can get local residents running the council for the benefit of our community.

Report this post »

glenn fleetwood, moreton says...
11:54am Sat 10 May 08

By the way, the costs involved can be minimal because talking to people doesn't cost anything.There aren't really any pitfalls that i came across,it really is simple to do so have a go.Once people listen to what you want to achieve you will find that people will quickly be on your side and want to help you in your campaign.Just go for it.

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Dave Rimmer, Wallasey says...
6:47pm Sat 10 May 08

With the challenge laid down by Marge, I made contact with Alan from Wallasey and we totally agree with Glen Fleetwood. We feel that the best way forward would be a Council Tax Payers or Residents Party which would be a support for non political independents like Glen. So I lay down a challenge to all you residents who are fed up with party politics being brought into our local government. Alan and I are convinced that a non politically aligned party would work. So to that end anyone who is interested in attending a meeting to discuss a way forward can contact me by e.mail at djrimmer@ntlworld.co
m
If the response is positive who knows what we can do for the People of Wirral.
I would urge Glen of Upton, Glen Fleetwod, Mike from Moreton, Dave from Heswall and all the other people that are tired of the existing regime to contact me and lets see if we can "have a go"
Alan suggested the following to start of the debate.

Are you fed up of party politics? Are you sick of seeing your Council tax rising every year and then wasted on stupid schemes? Do you want a fairer Wirral that gives equal attention to all towns and villages and not just the one's who are more likely to vote for the incumbent party?

We are a group that is totally fed up of the way the citizens of this Metropolitan Borough are treated. If you feel the same way and would like to help form a new party please contact me. It is only fair to say that it will involve hard work and a level of commitment but it is no use moaning any longer as no one takes a blind bit of notice so this is the only way forward. The party we want to form will neither be left or right wing and will only exist to benefit the people of Wirral and not be an excuse to make a fortune in expenses, go on freebies or feather our own nests. This can only work if enough people are big enough to stand up and fight for once.

We would welcome anyone who has the intelligence and expertise who might want to stand at the council elections but only if commited to the same ideals as ourselves.

We are under no illusions that this will be easy but unless we try then the status quo remains with all that goes with it.

If enough interest is generated then we will organise a venue and hold a meeting to elect committee members and formulate a constitution.

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glenn fleetwood, moreton says...
8:28pm Sat 10 May 08

I think that's a brilliant idea to have a resident's/council tax payers association.If we can get some publicity on what you said,i think everyone will be behind us.You've got the ball rolling now don't stop-we've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.You've got my support.

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Alan, Wallasey says...
8:47pm Sat 10 May 08

From little acorns mighty oaks do grow.

No offence to the Globe or anyone but this is not the ideal arena to publicise what we want to do so lets have suggestions as to how to get the wider message across.

Come on people we all do enough moaning on here, get involved.

We can make a difference. Party slogan (C)

Report this post »

Dave Rimmer, Wallasey says...
9:06pm Sat 10 May 08

Glenn, just drop me a quick e.mail so I have your address to keep you posted......
djrimmer@ntlworld.co
m

Report this post »

glenn fleetwood, moreton says...
9:55am Sun 11 May 08

I think that the wirral globe is vital to get some publicity for a newly formed residents' association.I'm sure that this idea of a council tax payers association will be of interest to many of it's readers.

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mike, moreton says...
12:03am Mon 12 May 08

Great idea Dave, let's hope this can change the system of government on the wirral. My only fear would be that we would still face a couple of incompetent council officers (who IMO have been the biggest problem round here recently) but at least as the elected representatives we would be able to hold them to account.

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wayne, prenton says...
4:01pm Mon 12 May 08

I have long believed that we don`t actually live in a democracy, how can we when elected representatives are told which way to vote by party whips and therefore cannot obey the dictates of their own conscience or vote how they would wish to on issues that effect the people who elected them, this happens at all levels of politics.
Absolutely fantastic idea about a council tax payers party " of the people, for the people".

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