Lichfield has missed out on a “great opportunity” by voting against joining a combined authority.
Chris Worsey, who came second in the Parliamentary election earlier this year, said the Conservatives at Lichfield District Council could live to regret the decision.
Councillors voted not to sign-up to the deal, with leader Mike Wilcox saying it was “too big a risk”.
But Mr Worsey, who is also a Labour representative on Sandwell Council, said: “I’m surprised at this decision
“The combined authority would bring millions of pounds of investment into our region and give us the power to make decisions locally.
“It was a great opportunity for Lichfield and the wider area.”
Cllr Mike Wilcox, Conservative leader of Lichfield District Council, said issues around voting powers had led to the no-vote.
“It was simply the case that joining a combined authority was too big a risk at this moment in time,” he said. “Other authorities have also decided not to go in, so it’s not as if we’re not on our own.”
