WOKINGHAM’S ruling Liberal Democrats have denied snubbing council officers after a health project was shortlisted for a top award.
Last week, Wokingham Borough Council issued a press statement highlighting that a healthcare webinar, recorded in Cantonese for Hong Kong residents, was a finalist in the Public Health Awards 2023.
In it, Cllr David Hare, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, said: “To be recognised as a finalist for this prestigious award is a real testament to the great work the council has been doing with its partners.”
Wokingham Conservatives say the project was devised by the party when they ran the council, and the release also failed to acknowledge this.
Cllr Phil Cunnington, Conservative shadow executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “It must have been difficult for any Hong Kong people who chose to relocate to the UK to escape political repression from China. Work by the Council to make it easier to break through the language barrier to access important services was vital to helping these people settle into the borough.
“It’s very kind of the Liberal Democrats to lavish such high praise on the previous Conservative administration, and I agree that the Council being a finalist is a true recognition of the work we did in office. I hope he can also find the time to congratulate the officers whose commitment made this project possible.
“I’m sure he wouldn’t want residents to think that he and the rest of the Liberal Democrats were trying to take credit for an initiative that had nothing to do with them.”
The leader of the opposition, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, said the council had been nominated for several awards for projects started when her party was in control.
“These awards demonstrate our success in delivering big ideas that have had significant benefits to our residents,” she said.
But Cllr Stephen Conway, the leader of the council, said that Cllr Hare had been “scrupulously careful” to attribute the success to the council.
“I always go out of my way to ensure that the council’s hard-working officers receive the recognition that they deserve,” he continued.
“I find the Conservatives’ claims rather ridiculous. I can only imagine that they stem from their resentment at no longer being in control of the council.
“There is no policy of writing their earlier contributions out of the story, nor will there be while I am leader.
“I might note, however, the contrast with when the Conservatives themselves ran the council. Then, any initiative by an opposition councillor was either rubbished or claimed as a Conservative success.”
Cllr Conway reiterated his commitment to partnership working across the borough, be it with opposition parties, community groups, charities or businesses.
“I am always happy to benefit from good ideas, wherever they come from,” he said.
“I am more than willing to engage with the opposition, but I ask that they constructively come to the table for the good of our residents and businesses.
“So far, sadly, all I have seen is the consistent refusal to recognise the challenges that the council faces and opposition to the savings proposed by the administration, without any credible alternatives offered.
“Opposition has a legitimate and important role to play, but in these difficult times, a more responsible and constructive attitude from the opposition would be very welcome.”
