TORY LEADER BOTTLES OUT (Kirklees Liberal Democrats)

Kirklees Liberal Democrats <info@kirkleeslibdems.org.uk>

TORY LEADER BOTTLES OUT

October 11, 2007 2:26 PM

Cllr Robert Light claims that, because he is a ward councillor, parent, and school governor that he is unable to take part in making the decision on the Building Schools for the Future programme. This is the most important and largest investment in education that Kirklees will be making for the next 30 years.

The Leader of the Council has duty to take a leading role in the major and crucial decisions the Cabinet faces on the future of education in Kirklees. But today he bottled out of his responsibility.

Cllr Light has chosen to hide behind his position as a school governor and because he has children at a local school. Many other councillors are in the same position but are not using it as an excuse to opt out of their responsibilities. The only time opting out is required, is if the particular school where he is a governor or where his children attend, is under specific discussion.

For the Leader to opt out is unacceptable and inexcusable; if he is taking this attitude he should resign his position, at least until these decisions have been made.

He is being incredibly feeble. He should be leading the debate about the need for change in our schools; leading the debate within the Council; and taking the lead on the tough decisions that will be required.

Faced with the first major test of his leadership Cllr Light has bottled out. It demonstrates his ineptitude and inability to effectively lead Kirklees.

Cllr Light must either be prepared to lead this debate or resign and let someone else with more moral courage take over.