The leader of Lichfield District Council has called for collaboration at the first meeting of Lichfield District Council since it moved to no overall control.
The local elections saw the Conservatives lost their overall majority, but the absence of any agreement between Labour and the Lib Dems means the leadership will remain with the blue side of the council chamber.
Cllr Doug Pullen’s continuation at the helm of the local authority was confirmed at the meeting this evening (23rd May), despite the decision by the two opposition groups to abstain from the vote.
He told fellow councillors:
“Lichfield district is an exciting place to be right now.
“We are down to be the fourth fastest growing economy over the coming few years, we’ve got a revitalised leadership team put together over the last 18 months and we’ve got a real sense of purpose about what we are doing to invest in our communities, whether it’s in a leisure centre, cinema or community and business hubs.
“We have done a tremendous amount over the last four years, but we’ve got plenty more to do.
“Our manifesto set out really clear objectives and I fully intend we deliver them.”
Cllr Doug Pullen, Lichfield District Council
Cllr Pullen also pledged to work with the other groups on the council to see how they can achieve common aims for a “fairer, greener, safer and healthier district”.
He highlighted the fact that all three parties would have a part to play in ensuring the success of the council on behalf of residents over the coming four years.
“Given no party has an outright majority in this chamber, like it or not we will be working together – and we look forward to it.
“We come from different political traditions, background and communities, and have variety of different life experiences and ambitions for our district and wards.
“But let’s not let those differences distract from the fact we have more that unites us than divides us.”
Cllr Doug Pullen, Lichfield District Council
Just remember Doug that what you do, and say, this time might well determine what happens to your party in the next election. You could try buttering up the electorate by restricting the exponential housing estates. Try developing Friasgate as a public amenity (without housing). Badger Staffordshire to address the road deterioration. In other words try being a good local councillor.
You wanted a position of responsibility. Live up to that responsibility!
By the way; the above list is by no means exhaustive.
So the next time one of the usual suspects (Robertson, Ray, Woodward, Norman, Ashton or Ball to name most of them) are featured on Lichfield Live bemoaning something that the conservatives have/have not done, just remember this day. They all had the opportunity to make a change and abstained. Their response to the opportunity was – literally – to do nothing. That shows how much faith they have in themselves and their abilities. I am so disappointed, and I don’t think I’m the only one. It just goes to prove that it’s easy to talk the talk, which is all they have done.