Labour councillors raise concerns over 'toxic proposal' for two deputy leaders

The town's Labour group will have its annual general meeting (AGM) at the Town Hall next Thursday.

A proposal, proposed by Cllr Tony Williams and seconded by Cllr Tom Jennings, is due to be voted on.

It says: "The Labour group elect two deputy leaders, one female and one male, to serve for four years to coincide with the all-out electoral cycle, or part thereof in the event of any leadership changes.

"One deputy leader to be responsible for discipline, to work with the chief whip on agreement with the leader.

"I believe that this change is good practice.

"It would achieve gender balance in the leadership and could be an opportunity for further progression."

A Labour spokesman said the motion is 'explicitly' about creating an additional officer role within the group and 'not an executive role on Warrington Borough Council (WBC)'.

However, despite the statement, a number of group members believe it 'absolutely' refers to, and would 'lead' to, having two deputy leaders of the council – with one labelling it as a 'toxic proposal'.

The current allowance for a deputy council leader tops £15,000.

Although, if two people were in the role it could be doubled, if approved by full council.

A council spokesman said: "Any proposals to amend it would need to first be considered by the independent remuneration panel then voted upon by all councillors at full council."

The matter has also sparked concerns from the town's Liberal Democrats.

Leader Cllr Bob Barr said: "During the budget debate in March we made it clear we agreed with Labour that lack of funding by the Government was putting our services at risk and we were in danger of falling off the cliff.

"In view of the pressure on our finances, we are amazed that Labour is considering spending an extra £15,000 on a second deputy leader.

"It certainly doesn't have our support.

"Even if the single allowance of £15,000 was split in half, we don't understand why two deputies are needed.

"It is supposed to be to do with gender equality.

"Having more female MPs and councillors is something we strongly support and I am delighted that our new councillor in Lymm is female.

"But creating an extra deputy at the cost of £15,000 is not the way forward, nor is it obvious that we have had value for money from some of the recent holders of the post.

"If the Labour group have now decided that these are internal political appointments and not council positions that is up to them, so long as there is no additional cost for Warrington residents."

The Warrington Guardian understands many Labour councillors are against the proposal.

A Labour spokesman said: "Each year, any Labour councillor has the democratic right to submit a motion to be debated at our AGM.

"This particular motion is explicitly about creating an additional officer role within the Labour group and not an executive role on WBC.

"Political group officer roles, quite rightly, do not attract funding or allowances from WBC.

"The Liberal Democrats are conveniently 'adding two plus two to come up with five' to knock the ruling Labour administration.

"However, people should not forget that since taking over from the Liberal Democrat-Tory coalition running the council, Labour has worked hard to reduce the bloated number of senior managers employed by their administration, saving taxpayers over a £1 million and we remain steadfastly committed to providing value for money for council taxpayers."

Last May, council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill survived a leadership challenge at the AGM.

The party's councillors also 'overwhelmingly' voted to get rid of the annual leadership contests in order to bring about 'stability and align the group's operating protocols', with the next leadership vote due to take place at the local elections in 2020.

Although Cllr O'Neill is scheduled to remain as leader until 2020, the Warrington Guardian understands deputy leader Cllr Russ Bowden is interested in becoming the next council leader.