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Wirral Council leader Paul Stuart facing rebellion amidst calls to stand down

ByReport2

Jan 24, 2025

WIRRAL'S council leader said he will consider his position over the coming days following a dramatic rebellion within his own party.

Cllr Paul Stuart is facing a challenge to his leadership after being accused by some of his own party of leading “the borough to the brink of financial disaster.”

The Labour councillor for Seacombe has led Wirral Council, which is in no-overall control since May 2023 following his own successful challenge to remove then-council leader Cllr Janette Williamson. However, his leadership has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks as the council faces likely bankruptcy and has requested an emergency £40m bailout from government.

Last week the council held an extraordinary meeting over its financial accounts where Cllr Stuart faced calls to resign. The following morning the LDRS was made aware that regional Labour Party representatives met with both Cllr Stuart and deputy council leader, Cllr Jean Robinson at Wallasey Town Hall.

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It is understood that a rebellion has been mounting against the beleaguered leader, with potentially enough Labour councillors willing to move to remove him from his position – although the numbers are tight.

The LDRS has seen sight of a confidential letter which is being circulated by some in the Labour group, urging the party to take action. It states: “The borough’s future is at a critical juncture under its current political leadership,” adding: “We want to acknowledge Councillor Paul Stuart’s commitment to the Labour Party and his role in delivering victories during the last ‘all-out’ elections.

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“He helped secure key marginal seats, fend off challenges from the Green Party, and reclaim seats from the Conservatives ensuring that Labour maintained control of the Council. However, despite the best efforts of many elected members to support the current Leader and Deputy Leader, it has become clear that Wirral Council is in crisis.

“Serious failings in leadership have brought the borough to the brink of financial disaster. Reports of lack of governance, accountability, and critical mismanagement paint a stark picture of a council unable to meet its obligations to residents.”

The letter continues: “The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. The risk of bankruptcy is not a distant threat – it is a very real and immediate possibility. Wirral residents are already feeling the strain of economic challenges and a financially insolvent council would only deepen their hardship undermining the Labour Party’s promise to protect working-class communities.

“This looming financial crisis demands decisive and experienced leadership that can take control, restore stability, and prevent irreversible damage to the borough’s future. It is now evident that the current leader and deputy leader lack the experience and capability to provide this level of leadership.

“The people of Wirral are counting on us to rise to this moment. Their trust cannot be taken for granted and failure is not an option. We urge you to act swiftly and decisively in the interests of the borough, the Labour Party, and most importantly the residents we are here to serve.”

In response to the letter, Cllr Stuart provided a statement to the LDRS, which says: “We are currently at the most important part of the municipal calendar, which is setting a legal budget for the year ahead. My focus as leader of Wirral Council is to ensure we set a legal budget that protects our most vulnerable while being ambitious about Wirral’s future.

“Wirral Council has borne a disproportionate share of spending cuts after 14 years of consecutive Conservative Governments. This has had widespread and profound consequences on the council’s spending powers and has forced us to make decisions no one wants to make. Our council’s financial fragility sits squarely with the Conservatives, who have cut our budget by a quarter since 2010.”

“In light of the views expressed by members of my Labour Group, I intend to give consideration to and reflect on my position as Labour Group Leader and Leader of the Council over the coming days.”

Wirral Council is due to set its budget on March 3 after the decision was pushed back a week. Another key budget meeting of the council’s Policy and Resources committee has also been pushed back to allow the government time to consider the bailout request.

Reacting to the no-confidence letter, Cllr Jeff Green, leader of the Conservatives in Wirral, questioned whether Labour councillors had “lost their marbles,” adding: “We are in detailed and difficult discussions with the Government and I had thought all parties in Wirral were committed to sorting this out once and for all.

“Instead, we now find that a disgruntled group of Labour Councillors have been plotting and scheming, playing political games. What they do not seem to appreciate is the risk that the Government will put a stop to this nonsense and send in commissioners, meaning that none of them or the people of Wirral have any say on what happens next to jobs and services.”

The question of who could replace Cllr Stuart if he does step down is very much up in the air. However, names that have been put forward including Rock Ferry councillor Paula Basnett, Claughton councillor Gill Wood, and current deputy council leader Upton councillor Jean Robinson.

Cllr Robinson, deputy leader of the entire council, as well as Cllr Angela Davies, the deputy leader of the Labour group in Wirral Council, were also approached for comment on the letter.

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