Making the Tories face up to the last four years!

It's been a strange last four years at the Leicestershire County Council. Had you looked at the Tory administration this time last year, you'd have found nothing remarkable. On the surface at least, everything seemed fine.

Since then, Leicestershire has continually hit the national headlines. The leader had to resign over expense, a deputy leader followed him due to bad judgement... The Conservatives have clearly lost their grip on the situation, their credibility collapsing with every new scandal!

Worse still, is what hasn't featured in the headlines. A lack of imagination in tackling our financial challenges, resorting to punishing cuts rather than innovating new ways to generate income, a refusal to listen to advice and alternatives, making decisions in private without proper consultation. This mismanagement has been hurting Leicestershire and its residents.

At the next Full Council meeting on Wednesday, the Liberal Democrat group will be calling for a fresh start from May. Whether we get one will depend entirely on the voters in Leicestershire.

Liberal Democrat Motion to Full Council - New Four Year Term

"a) That this Council deplores the recent conduct of certain members which has shaken public confidence in the Council as community leader and expresses regret at the Conservative Group's delay in taking swift action to deal with it;

b) That the Council therefore welcomes the opportunity of a new four year term to re-establish its previously good reputation and to restore the trust of people in Leicestershire in their elected representatives;

c) That in contrast with the recent four years under this Conservative Administration, the Council expresses the hope that its future will instead be marked by:-

• the highest standards of conduct;
• a compassionate approach to people in need;
• delivery of high quality services;
• an innovative and imaginative approach towards tackling the difficult financial environment; and
• meaningful engagement with local people and partner organisations."