The resignation of a Conservative councillor after less than six months in office has highlighted a failure in leadership, according to the leader of the opposition group at Lichfield District Council.
Cllr Joanne Grange resigned her post amid a row over planning permission for a new house in Lichfield. She said the decision to “relax” some requirements in order to approve the scheme, meant the local authority was going against its own guidance – as well as opening the door for future inappropriate developments.
The Stowe ward representative added that she had lost faith in the council’s ability to represent the views of residents in Lichfield and Burntwood.
Cllr Sue Woodward, leader of the Labour opposition group at Lichfield District Council, said Cllr Grange would be a loss to the chamber.
“I am sorry to hear of Joanne’s resignation,” she said. “In a very short time, she has proven herself to be a capable and conscientious councillor, willing to take a stand and ask the awkward questions that need to be asked.
“Let’s face it, too few of the controlling group even ask the important questions, let alone reflect the views of the people who elected them.
“I regret that she won’t be there to continue asking the difficult questions about the failure of the Friarsgate project in particular as the leadership at Lichfield District Council has left many questions still unanswered.”
Cllr Woodward has previously called for Conservative leader Cllr Mike Wilcox to resign following the demise of the Friarsgate scheme.
And she said the latest resignation was a sign that change was needed.
“This again is evidence of a failure of leadership at the council,” she said.
““I completely agree with Joanne Grange’s comment about the lack of strategic and organisational direction. It’s easy to lead a council where your party has overwhelming control, in Lichfield District Council’s case 41 Conservatives, five Labour and one Lib Dem. The true test of leadership is when the going gets tough.
“Having now suffered three Cabinet resignations, the stepping down of a recently-elected councillor and a vote of confidence that I hear was far from decisive, I call again upon the leader to consider his position.”
Cllr Wilcox has said he was “extremely disappointed” by Cllr Grange’s decision to step down, but insisted councillor’s had to rise above their own self-interest.
“I am extremely disappointed by Joanne’s decision to resign as a District councillor and sorry that she felt unable either to speak directly to myself or another colleague to see if the issues raised could have been dealt with before deciding to resign,” he said. “I will however ensure that the issues raised around the planning policies and processes are considered as a matter of urgency.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank her for her contribution in the relatively short time she has been on the council.
“I also believe that being a councillor gives you the opportunity to contribute along with colleagues in challenging and debating those areas where you think this is required, rather than stepping away and trying to influence from outside of the council.
“Sometimes as councillors we have to rise above our self interest and accept that we will not always win the particular argument, but what we do is to continue in our role.”
