McCall resumes Milton Keynes leadership
- Published: 11 June 2008 15:45
- Author: Simon Ellery
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- Last Updated: 11 June 2008 16:09
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Milton Keynes Council members have struck a deal that ends a four-week political vacuum at the council.
At a full council meeting last night (10 June 2008) a three-week hiatus of political control – with executive functions managed by officers - ended with embattled Liberal Democrat leader Isobel McCall resuming control.
Last month, opposition parties blocked Cllr McCall's appointment of an eight-strong cabinet team and effectively handed control to officers following criticism of its school-building programme (LGC, 29 May).
The Lib Dems are the largest party on the council, with one more member than the second-placed Conservatives. Labour holds the balance of power.
Portfolios to be confirmed
Following the meeting the cabinet has reassumed executive powers, although individual cabinet portfolios have yet to be confirmed.
In a statement, the council said: "No portfolios have been confirmed yet, but cabinet members will work in teams covering people, place and resources."
Norman Miles, Labour group leader, said the delegating of powers had been a vote of no confidence. He added that the Labour group was unwilling to support Conservative attempts to take control.
