Following the vote of no confidence in the former council leader Peter Jackson and the impending confirmation of Glen Sanderson as the new council leader, the council’s Labour Group is setting out its expectations of the person in the top job.
Labour Group leader Susan Dungworth said: “It was a sad day when we were left with no other option but to move a vote of no confidence in the previous leader.
“It is right and proper that the Conservative-led council appoint their new leader; it was never our intention to influence that or attempt some kind of takeover.
“However, it must be remembered that the new leader is there to serve the whole council and all the people who live in Northumberland. The previous leader was only part of the problem and we’re expecting things to look and feel different with a new person in post.
“Northumberland County Council needs strong and trusted political leadership, especially at the moment when residents and businesses are looking to us for support and protection as cases of Covid-19 rise again. We welcome Glen Sanderson as leader and, if he delivers what he promises, then he will have our full support.”
Susan said the Labour Group is looking for:
- new cabinet members with untarnished reputations
- the immediate return of the chief executive (and to be given a full explanation if this is not possible?)
- a fully independent investigation into the allegations made, without political interference
- an open and honest discussion on the findings of the Advance Northumberland audit investigations
- whistle blowing investigated and reported to council openly, without spin
She added: “Having to remove a council leader is an experience none of us want to repeat. However, we are prepared to repeat it if we don’t see the changes we’re looking for.
“We would welcome it if Glen Sanderson starts as he means to go on and we are not left in the dark about issues that affect the people we represent in the county.”