Lib Dem-run Islington Council in turmoil

Councillor Andrew Cornwell has resigned as Execetive Member for Finance from the Lib Dem administration in Islington. In a damning resignation letter to the Council leader he says:

"The Council remains characterised by waste and inefficiency in too many areas. Excessive spending on refreshments, conference venues, travel costs and consultants.  The number of highly paid managers has grown and unacceptable redunandancy payments have been made to departing senior officers. You know I have attempted to challenge all these practises but without your full support it has not been possible to make the kind of changes I feel is needed."

Cllr Cornwell feels he had some achievements. He cites a £20 Council Tax discount for those who pay by direct debit and substantial sales of Council owned commercial property. But he still concludes in his letter that unless there is a new approach "not only will Liberal Democrats not be re-elected to run Islington, they will not deserve to be."   

Duncan Webster, the Chairman of Islington Conservatives has written to Cllr Cornwell inviting him to join the us. Duncan Webster says:

"I am writing to you following your recent resignation from your Executive position on Islington Council. In your letter you address a number of serious concerns that we as fellow Islingtonians take very seriously.  You mention that the council has been charticeristed by waste and inefficiency, that there has been a lack of financial and performance monitoring management tied with poor financial governance. You feel that the Council is not promoting environmental and effective transport policies, and that the part-time leadership is underperforming and shows poor judgement.
 
We too agree that the Lib Dems do not deserve to be reelected to the Council in May 2010.
 
Islington Conservatives are are an open and inclusive party and believe in the areas you mentioned, with strong views on reducing Council waste, believing in good management, leadership aligned positive environmental and transport policies.
 
I would be delighted if you had any questions about our Party or would like to discuss joining.  Please contact us by reply."