Labour brand ruling Lib Dem chiefs as ‘witless, untalented and lacking vision’
COUNCILLORS branded “untalented”, “witless” and “lacking in vision” were in jubilant mood this week as they filled the top positions at Wear Valley District Council.Outgoing Labour officials lambasted their incoming Liberal Democrat replacements, as well as the Independent councillors who voted them in, saying it was Labour who had made the council excellent in the recent Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA).
Cllr Neil Stonehouse, the outgoing leader of the council and current leader of the Labour group said: “I would urge the Liberal Democrats to enjoy their power while they can because we will not be a quiet opposition.
“They have neither the wit nor the imagination to be creative, nor do they have the talent to understand what is needed. We have led with flair, vigour and passion leading to great success, and we will oppose the Liberal Democrats in exactly the same way.”
Cllr Stonehouse was replaced as leader of the council by Liberal Democrat group leader Tommy Taylor. Cllr Taylor said: “I would have liked to work in conjunction with Labour but unfortunately they have refused the offer of a coalition. If they change their minds we will still work with them for the good of Wear Valley.
“The CPA report quite clearly pointed out that Wear Valley is a council of excellence because we work together.” Cllr Stonehouse refuted Cllr Taylor’s claims, saying it was the “ambition, political leadership and vision” supplied by Labour that the CPA said made the council excellent, a message echoed by Cllr David Kingston who said: “Whenever the Liberal Democrats have had the opportunity to deliver on their few manifesto promises they failed, so it begs the question do we really want this council run by them, or by a Labour group who have taken this council from fair to excellent?”
Sam Zair replaced Charlie Kay as deputy leader, who launched a vitriolic attack on Vere Shuttleworth, the leader of the Independent councillors, for being inconsistent with his approach to party politics.
Cllr Kay described Cllr Shuttleworth as the “worm who has turned”, and slammed him as the “architect” of replacing a “successful Labour group” with the Liberal Democrats.
Cllr Shuttleworth, an active campaigner for both parties to work in a coalition, said: “When I approached Labour about working in partnership with the Lib Dems I was told in an authoritative and somewhat aggressive tone that Labour won’t enter into a partnership with the Lib Dems, demonstrating for me the destructive nature of party politics which has resulted in us losing our way completely.”
Despite feuds erupting between the parties, all the councillors were unanimous in their praise for departing chairman Eddie Murphy. New chairman Betty Todd, who was selected ahead of Margaret Douthwaite by 21 votes to 18, said: “Cllr Murphy will be a hard act to follow but I pledge to carry out my duties to the best of my abilities.”
Cllr Vere Shuttleworth described Cllr Murphy as a “man of integrity” who commanded “nothing but respect”, while Cllr Taylor said: “Eddie was an excellent chair who was always fair.”
Cllr Stonehouse said: “He has been an excellent chairman and ambassador for this authority and I am proud of the service he has given to this council.”
Cllr Todd also named the Great North air Ambulance as her charity of the year, promising members they will be amazed at the inventive ideas she has for fundraising. Cllr John Ferguson replaced Rose Seabury as deputy chairman, and new Liberal Democrat and Independent chairmen and deputies were installed on the individual committees.
