A former Tory councillor says effective change cannot be delivered in Lichfield and Burntwood if people continue to vote for the current controlling group.
Joanne Grange, who will stand as an independent in the Chadsmead ward, had previously served as a Conservative councillor before resigning from the post – and the party – in a row over the way planning policies were being applied.
Her comments come after two former Cabinet members and serving Conservative councillors said the local elections would be a chance for change.
Cllr Iain Eadie said: “If people come out and vote on 2nd May it gives everyone, including our own local party, a chance to change things for the better.”
But Miss Grange said the message from Cllr Eadie and his Conservative colleague Cllr Andy Smith, who will both contest the Leomansley ward, was a confusing one.
“There seems to be an acceptance that things need to change and the recognition that the elections are the opportunity for us all to vote for change,” she said.
“In pushing for change, their message seems to be that people should vote for the same party again?
“It’s a kind of ‘having made this mess, we’re now absolutely going to change to sort it out’ message.
“It strikes me that the way to drive the change that Cllr Eadie and Cllr Smith recognise is needed is to vote for difference, not the same.”
