The new leader of the opposition group says he hopes “tribal politics” will not prevent alternative voices being heard at Burntwood Town Council.
Cllr Wai-Lee Ho has replaced Cllr Robin Place at the helm of the town council Conservative group.
The Highfield ward representative – who also sits on Lichfield District Council – said that despite his new title, he did not want to see political allegiances at the heart of local decision-making.
“I’ve never really liked the term ‘leader of the opposition’ for a town or parish council – it is too adversarial for this level of government, where politics really shouldn’t come into play.
“My message to the Labour group are the words spoken to me at a being a councillor seminar by their current leader, who was one of the guest speakers alongside Cllr Mike Wilcox, and that’s ‘we are not the enemy – we hold the leadership to account’.
“I would add that we are also here to offer an alternative point of view and I hope that point of view isn’t blinded by tribal politics.”
Cllr Wai-Lee Ho, Burntwood Town Council
Cllr Ho also paid tribute to his predecessor.
“I would like to extend my immense gratitude to Cllr Place for his leadership of the Conservative group.
“He always encouraged us to speak our mind and vote the way we wished as individual councillors.
“It is a surprise and privilege to have been asked to take over as leader – it’s a role I hadn’t sought. That said, I am determined to work hard for Burntwood and our community.
“I look forward to working with the new chief executive Steve Lightfoot and Cllr Sue Woodward (leader of the town council) as I start settling into my new role.”
Cllr Wai-Lee Ho, Burntwood Town Council
