THERE are serious questions to be answered from the Lib Dem-run executive in the wake of the independent councillors quitting the ruling partnership, according to the leader of Wokingham Conservatives.
In last May’s local elections, the Conservatives lost five seats and, with it, their majority. It meant that the council went to No Overall Control for the first time since the borough was established 20 years ago.
The Lib Dems, Labour and independent councillors joined forces to create the partnership agreement, which gave them a council majority. However, the decision on Tuesday for the two independents to back out means both the partnership and the Conservatives have 26 councillors each.
Speaking to Wokingham Today, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Leader of the Conservative Group, accused the Lib Dems of eschewing the views of residents, and instead clinging on to power.
“We have been clear for a long time: the Liberal Democrat led Coalition has ignored the voices of residents, has sought to shut down debate, and has presided over a catalogue of flawed decisions,” she said.
“During this time they have failed to make any progress on the Local Plan or in reducing the housing numbers despite all their promises.
“Today we, and residents, have learnt the extent to which Liberal Democrats have tried to cling on to power, and how they have sought to silence dissent among their Independent partners.”
Cllr Jorgensen, who represents Hillside ward, thanked the independents for coming forward.
“Clearly the Independents have had serious concerns, and I am pleased that they have had the courage to express them openly with residents,” she continued. “They have sought to put residents and good governance of the Council first but have found it impossible to remain in the Coalition. This was clearly a difficult decision to make.
“The letter from the Independent councillors raises serious questions about the behaviour of the Liberal Democrats, the leadership of Cllr Clive Jones, and their fitness to govern the Council.”
