New regime at West Lindsey

A new controlling group officially took over the running of West Lindsey District Council last night.

The previous Liberal Democrat control of the authority end when Cllrs Trevor Young and Lesley Rollings were voted out as Leader and Deputy respectively by members of their own party in July.

They lost the support of their colleagues and a council motion accused them of a ‘combative’ leadership style.

On Monday night the West Lindsey Administration formally appointed a new Leader in Cllr Jackie Brockway (Conservative) and Deputy Cllr Moira Westley (Liberal Democrats) and new arrangements supported by a group of 30 members. 

It is comprised of Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, Lincolnshire Independents, Independents and Reform UK with a second newly formed group of six councillors called the West Lindsey Liberal Democrat Group.

Following the appointment as leader of the council, Cllr Brockway proposed a motion setting out 10 commitments that will underpin the new approach to leadership and governance.

“This is a moment of real change for West Lindsey. By working together across political boundaries, we can focus on what matters most which is delivering for our residents and businesses. These commitments will ensure that our council is stronger, fairer, and better able to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Deputy Cllr Westley added: “This collaborative approach gives more councillors the chance to contribute their skills and experience. It marks a shift toward a culture of openness and delivery that will benefit the whole district.”

The commitments are:

1. That the West Lindsey Administration be acknowledged as the administration of the council.
2. That the Leader of the council should hold the Leader's position only and should not hold chairmanships or vice-chairmanships on any committee at West Lindsey District Council.
3. That Councillors, whenever possible, should hold no more than one Special Responsibility position and should receive no more than one Special Responsibility Allowance.
4. That Councillors from different parties within the West Lindsey Administration are allowed to substitute for each other to cover absences, so long as they are members of the formally constituted West Lindsey Administration. 
5. Each committee should have one vice-chairman. In the absence of the named person a vice-chairman should be nominated from the body of the committee for the duration of the meeting. 
6. That the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of any West Lindsey District Council committee should not be in the same political party unless the political balance of the Council prevents this.
7. That the new Administration commits to a timely refresh of the council’s Corporate Plan with the adoption of new values and behaviours to reflect the priorities on the new Administration and welcomes the member and staff engagement that is planned in September
8. That the new Administration welcomes the review of internal governance arrangements currently underway to streamline decision making and become more delivery focussed
9. That the council commits to respond positively and in a timely manner to the Corporate Peer challenge recommendations to ensure the positive work of the council is fully reflected and acknowledged by the Local Government Association Peer Team in its follow up visit next year.
10. That the council continues to collaborate with its Lincolnshire local authority partners on Local Government Reorganisation to ensure that the challenges and opportunities for West Lindsey are fully recognised in proposals that are submitted to government for the benefit of our communities.