Council survives Tory takeover attempt – by one vote

THE ruling coalition on BCP Council survived by just one vote in a bid by the opposition Conservatives to take power.

With nothing to split those in favour and against, the no-confidence motion against leader Cllr Vikki Slade at Tuesday night’s meeting, the council chairman, Christchurch Independent David Flagg, used his casting vote to reject it, writes Josh Wright of the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Speaking after the online meeting, Cllr Slade said the past week had been “horrible” but praised the support she had received from the public and fellow councillors.

BCP Council’s ruling Unity Alliance coalition has operated as a minority administration since Christchurch Independent Cllr Colin Bungey died in April.

Following Cllr Bungey’s death, Conservative leader Cllr Drew Mellor approached Cllr Slade about forming a united ruling group, with some members of his group assuming senior positions.

This was “flatly rejected” by Cllr Slade who said it would mean sidelining members of some of the smaller groups in her coalition.

On Tuesday, at the first full meeting of the council since February, Cllr Mellor called a vote of no confidence in her leadership.

He said he appreciated the “enormous effort and tireless dedication” of Cllr Slade but said a majority administration was needed to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.

“This is not the time to be bringing a motion of no confidence,” Cllr Mellor said. “This is the time for us all to sit down as adults and come together.

“If the leader is unable to see that, if the 36 councillors in the Alliance are unable to do that, then I believe it is my duty, as the leader of a group of 36 councillors, to try to do it.”

However, the only support he gained from outside his group was the Independent – former Bournemouth Conservative – Cllr Stephen Bartlett.

With Ukip Cllr Diana Butler abstaining, the final tally was 37 councillors for the vote of no confidence and 37 against.

It went to a casting vote from Cllr Flagg who, dedicating his second vote to the late Cllr Bungey, threw out the motion.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Slade said she was “proud” of the work the Unity Alliance had done and for the contributions made in her support.

“The Unity Alliance came together out of a set of principles, including a desire to get more people to feel like they are included,” she said.

“I could not be more proud of some of the – particularly younger – members who gave some incredible speeches and that shows me democracy in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is in safe hands.”