Luton council shake-up branded 'pure political opportunism' in meeting row
A council shake-up that led to a new Liberal Democrat leader and brought an end to almost 20 years of a Labour administration has been branded “pure political opportunism”.
Opposition parties passed a vote of no confidence in Labour Biscot councillor Tahmina Saleem and replaced her by electing Liberal Democrat Barnfield councillor Amjid Ali as council leader.
Liberal Democrat South councillor Steve Stephens described the decisive motion as “not personally aimed at councillor Saleem”, saying the party would be pushing for change no matter who was council leader.
“We’re aware of the significant contribution she has made for the council and town as a former mayor,” he acknowledged. “Regrettably, events have overtaken her current leadership role and it’s now a case of needs must.”
Councillor Saleem replied: “In a few short months, there’ll be elections and the opposition could have waited before bringing this vote of no confidence.
“Instead they’re choosing disruption, a new leadership, new appointments, new committees, inductions and upheaval just before the May elections. How does this serve the people of Luton?
“This serves nobody. If you want a different administration, have the courage to ask the public to give you a mandate for one.”
Councillor Ali explained: “For far too long, Labour has enjoyed a system where you’ve controlled the executive and had the numbers to dominate much of the council machinery, which was supposed to hold this committee to account.
“That cannot continue. No administration should be frightened of scrutiny, no council leader should be scared of difficult questions and no political party should believe having controlled a town for nearly 20 years that it has an automatic right to continue to do so.
“Labour has lost its majority. It has lost the confidence of people who once sat on its own benches. Now it’s lost the confidence of this council. We’re not here to create chaos. We’re here because chaos already exists.”
Independent Alliance Group Challney councillor Tom Shaw said: “We want to put power down to the people of Luton. We’ll make sure the local communities in Luton have got a say on the council services delivered to them.
“I’ve been asking for that for two years in the Labour Party, but never got anywhere.”
Labour Lewsey councillor Hazel Simmons warned: “We worked alongside our communities, businesses, other agencies, staff and trade unions to build a cohesive town to be proud of and you dare tonight to suggest we cannot manage the council for the next few months until the local elections.
“What rubbish. Our record speaks for itself. We continue to deliver 700 services to the town. Tonight is nothing about Labour’s ability to run the council.
“You’ve no public mandate to do this. This is pure political opportunism. I’ve not heard anything from you to give me any faith that you can take on the task of running this great council.
“This town really doesn’t have time to play these games. Shame on you for stooping to this level to get control.”
Conservative Poets councillor Aslam Khan asked: “How can you sit there and be proud of your record?
“You only want to claim the benefits, but not acknowledge the failings. You’ve failed this town. People want homes, jobs and safety. What are you delivering? Staged videos swinging on the swings. Is that what people want? No more.”