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Turbulence at Central Bedfordshire Council: Independent Leadership Shake-up
The former Independent deputy leader of Central Bedfordshire Council is seeking the potential support of Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors to end the current “turmoil” and form a new administration on the local authority.
Independent Councillor Seeks Coalition to Stabilise Council
Independent Biggleswade West councillor Hayley Whitaker has emerged as the top contender in a recent poll among the Independent group of councillors to establish a new leadership structure. Cllr Whitaker's main objective is to bring stability to the council during this period of uncertainty.
Speaking to the local democracy reporting service, Cllr Whitaker said, “After a difficult few weeks, I’m now leading the Independent network and doing everything I can to bring stability to the council during this period of turmoil. We’ll always seek to work with other groups where it will benefit all of our residents and not compromise our values, whether that be in administration or opposition.”
A Call for Unity Amid Political Discord
Cllr Whitaker expressed her disappointment over the political games being played at the expense of the residents. “It saddens me greatly that political games have been placed ahead of working for the residents that elected us. My integrity and standards mean more to me than any political position, and I’d rather be in opposition than comprise them,” she stated.
The power-sharing discussions are set to continue behind the scenes in the run-up to a CBC full council meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 18. During this meeting, councillors are expected to vote on the next administration.
The Independents, being the largest group on the CBC, initially took control under Independent Potton councillor Adam Zerny after last year’s local elections. However, a series of recent events have led to significant turbulence within the group.
Leadership Crisis and Departures
Cllr Whitaker was dismissed from her executive roles after challenging Cllr Zerny for his position as council leader. Shortly after, Cllr Zerny announced his intention to step down next week, marking just a year since he assumed the leadership role. This announcement followed the resignation of two other executive members who left their roles prior to Zerny's decision.
The discord within the ruling Independent administration seems to have intensified this week after Cllr Whitaker’s leadership challenge. Conservative CBC Biggleswade East councillor Grant Fage reported on social media that six Independent councillors have left the ruling group. “That leaves the current Independent administration with 21 seats out of 63, one ahead of the Conservatives,” he wrote.
A Path Forward: Coalition Building
Cllr Whitaker, having won the internal poll with 12 votes, is now likely to attempt forming a new administration. This effort could involve an agreement with the Liberal Democrats, Labour, and the Green Party. “If councillor Whitaker can become leader of the council, while potentially exciting for Biggleswade, her challenge to the previous leader appears to have had serious consequences for the stability of the administration,” noted Cllr Fage.
Despite the challenges, Cllr Fage emphasised his commitment to working constructively with all councillors to deliver for Biggleswade. Independent Leighton Linslade West councillor Steve Owen, who came second in the poll with seven votes, also remains a key figure in the ongoing discussions. Notably, three councillors abstained from voting, and four Independent group members opted not to participate.
Future Prospects
Reports indicate that Cllr Whitaker’s Independent group has lost 11 councillors within the last 36 hours. The upcoming council meeting on July 18 will be crucial in determining the future administration of Central Bedfordshire Council. As negotiations continue, the possibility of forming a coalition government with the support of Labour and the Liberal Democrats remains on the table.
By Euan Duncan
Local Democracy Reporter
