A Labour peer has accused the Conservatives in Lichfield of being “stuck in the past” ahead of a by-election in the city.
The comments from Lord Michael Cashman come as the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats prepare to battle it out for the vacant Curborough ward seat on Lichfield District Council.
The by-election is expected to be a keenly fought battle in the wake of the collapse of the Friarsgate scheme, with the former Labour MEP saying the issue had shone a light on the Tories.
“The world has moved on but, sadly for Lichfield, the Tories haven’t and the latest fiasco shows just how stuck in the past they are.
“It’s time to send them a strong message that local residents will no longer tolerate being ignored by this out-of-touch and out-of-time Tory administration.”
Cllr Mike Wilcox, leader of the Conservative-controlled council has insisted the £7million spent on Friarsgate will not be wasted.
He said: “Around £4.5million has been invested in land which we will get a return on.
“We will be able to use this land to.our advantage and make a return on it.”
The by-election takes place tomorrow (July 5). The candidates standing are:
- Colin Ball (Labour)
- Lee Cadwallader-Allan (Liberal Democrats)
- Jayne Marks (Conservatives)
