Tendring: Labour to oppose TDC leadership of Neil Stock

TDC_logoThe Labour Group of Tendring District Councillors will not enter into any discussions with either the Conservative or UKIP groups during the negotiations presently under way to form a controlling administration on TDC.  The leader of the Conservative Group, Cllr Neil Stock, has offered to meet with representatives of the Labour group but has been thanked for his courtesy and advised that such a meeting will not be necessary.

Leader of the Labour Group, Cllr Ivan Henderson, says, “It is clear that the political make up of TDC means that the addition of Labour’s four votes would make life easier for any coalition but we are fundamentally opposed to many of the policies introduced by the local Conservatives and, along with the Lib Dems, Independents and Tendring 1st, have fought for more fairness over the last four years.  It is unthinkable that we could now adopt such policies.”

The Labour Group will also be voting against the appointment of Cllr Stock when the election of the leader of the council takes place at the first meeting of the new council.  Cllr Stock led the Conservative administration which raised pitch hire charges by 48%, sought to impose market rents on local clubs and organisations, refused to refurbish Dovercourt’s swimming pool and sports hall, ignored the need for a comprehensive Regeneration strategy to create local jobs and retained four places in his cabinet for Conservative colleagues when the departments they were overseeing no longer existed.  It is the opinion of the Labour group that Cllr Stock’s record as leader of the council indicates that his returning to the post would be a backward leap for Tendring and, therefore, will oppose his appointment.

“So many opportunities were missed during Cllr Stock’s time as leader of TDC and we saw other districts take full advantage and prosper,” continued Ivan Henderson.  “Many of his own Tory colleagues shared the combined frustration of the opposition during this time and it is frightening to think that those days may be about to return.”

For further information please contact Ivan Henderson on 07889 367822
Email ivanhenderson4labour@yahoo.co.uk