YORK council leader James Alexander is facing a vote of no confidence at the next full meeting of City of York Council.

The Conservative opposition announced today that they would table a motion calling for a vote of no-confidence at the meeting due to take place on December 11.

Conservative leader Chris Steward said in a written statement this morning: “Cllr Alexander has ridden roughshod over this council for three and a half years."

Cllr Alexander said the motion reflected "desperation" by the Conservatives to oust Labour. Opposition groups are giving a mixed reaction to the news.

York Press:

 

Cllr Steward accused Cllr Alexander of an "ego-driven mode of leadership concentrating on flashy vanity projects and attempts to “big up” York for his own personal aggrandisement" and accused him of "ineptitude" in understanding York residents and their desire for "good basic services carried out to a high standard."

York Press: Chris Steward

Cllr Chris Steward said James Alexander had ridden roughshod over the council

Cllr Steward added: "Since Labour lost its overall control of the council last month it has became evident that a new style of leader is necessary to work with the new political balance until the elections in May, and Cllr Alexander is clearly not that leader.

“While we recognise Labour as the party with the most councillors with the right to continue as the party in administration until May, we cannot lose valuable months in a stalemate with a council leader who is working for his future career path rather than the needs of York’s residents.

"It is unfortunate that Cllr Alexander never learned that it is not enough to have the most councillors to govern; you have to have the talent and political nous to bring people along with you rather than to rule under the illusion that you have some kind of ultimate 'mandate.

"We therefore intend to submit a motion asking full council to consider this issue at our council meeting next month.”

In a quote attributed to a party spokesperson, Labour said: "This may be the sixth or seventh time the Tories have called for a leading cabinet member to resign and this repetition shows the desperation of the Tories to get Labour out.

"Tories know full well people decide who lead the council in a local election and they know they cannot win a local election in York because people do not trust them to stand up for public services when their Government is forcing cuts on York. This is why they resort to such desperate tactics."

York Press:

Cllrs Keith Aspden and Andy D'Agorne, leaders of the Lib Dems and Greens respectively

Liberal Democrat leader Keith Aspden said: "The motion will reflect the deep frustration York residents have with James Alexander. It is clear that the problems in the York Labour Group go deeper than the leader. From the botched closure of Lendal Bridge to the cuts to basic frontline services the Labour Group collectively has proved itself unfit to run York."

He said he and colleagues would need to see the Conservatives' proposals in full before discussing their response to any no-confidence vote and said: "Our priority will be to continue to work with all councillors to force the Labour cabinet to change its policies whoever is leading the cabinet between now and May.”

Green Party leader Andy D'Agorne said he and his Green colleague Dave Taylor would need to discuss the issue, but said: "Certainly that would reflect what a lot of people are saying. We certainly would consider supporting it."

York Press:

Cllrs David Scott and Ken King, of the Labour independent group

Ken King, who recently defected from Labour with David Scott to form the Labour Independent group, said he too would discuss the issue with Cllr Scott before deciding, but said: "I do not have a lot of confidence in James Alexander or the majority of the Labour group, but I will give whatever motion is put forward absolute consideration."

Cllr Scott said the motion arguably did not go far enough, saying it should be about York not an individual. He said: "Opposition parties should be thinking about whether they could do a better job in forming an administration - and not just attacking the leader."

More to follow...