“I am proud that the partnership we created last May gave the borough council some much-needed stability and financial competence during the last year,” said outgoing council leader Cllr Clive Jones.
Last May, his Liberal Democrat group teamed up with Labour and independent councillors to form an agreement giving them the opportunity to run the council instead of the Conservatives – the first time in 20 years this had happened.
In the recent local elections, the Lib Dems became the largest party, but were one short of taking control with the mayor’s casting vote. This gives the opportunity to run the council for another 12 months.
Cllr Jones was elected leader, and he told the chamber: “We wanted to change the culture at the council, we wanted a concentration on partnerships within the council and also with outside bodies and agencies including Town and Parish councils and I think we have begun this journey well.”
However, he is stepping down as leader because he wants to concentrate his efforts on the forthcoming general election contest, and his deputy, Cllr Stephen Conway, is taking charge. Cllr Prue Bray will be his deputy.
Cllr Jones thanked members of his executive for their work over the past 12 months, before talking about their record.
“For years the Conservatives claimed the Lib Dems would bankrupt the council……we haven’t and we won’t. It’s just as well that we took over the finances last year so we could repair the damage left by the Conservatives.
“We have balanced the budget without the need to raid the general reserves and we have done this despite inflation raging at over 10% and energy costs more than doubling and us finding holes in the budget left behind by the Conservatives.
“Thankfully residents no longer believe that the Conservatives are good with money, that myth has been well and truly blown, both nationally and locally.”
Cllr Jones also thanked officers: “ I have enjoyed working with them at all levels in all directorates. I’ve appreciated the openness of our discussions.
“We haven’t always agreed but we have respected each other’s positions and found solutions to issues that needed to be addressed.”
He continued: “It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to be the Leader of the council and I now look forward to the next chapter of my political journey when I intend to concentrate on the campaign to become the first Liberal Democrat MP for Wokingham at the next general election.
“The new Liberal Democrat Leader will be my friend and colleague Cllr Stephen Conway. I know that I leave the council leadership in good hands.
“Stephen and the Liberal Democrat Executive and councillors will continue with our financially sound management of the council and compassionate policies which will support the most vulnerable in our community, as well as providing the council services that we all rely on in a cost-effective and efficient manner.”
