7:00am Wednesday 10th June 2009
A LEADING Bournemouth councillor has been axed from the cabinet after he contested the position of deputy leader.
Cllr Peter Charon, who was responsible for housing and procurement, was demoted in a shock move by council leader Cllr Stephen MacLoughlin.
Cllr MacLoughlin made his announcement after Cllr Charon had challenged Cllr John Beesley for the post of deputy leader. The move forced a secret ballot of Conservative councillors, which Cllr Charon lost.
However, Cllr MacLoughlin then decided to strip Cllr Charon of his cabinet position – a move which has apparently sparked outrage amongst some Conservative councillors.
Cllr Charon told the Echo he decided to stand for the deputy leader position because it was a challenge.
“There were no real policy differences, it was a matter of approach,” he said. “I thought I had a sporting chance on the night but it wasn’t to be.
“I’m disappointed, especially when you consider the really big successes I’ve had in housing, including taking it from two to four star, the new maintenance contract saving taxpayers £10 million over eight years and the work I’ve done on the local housing company.
“I will hand over the baton to somebody and I wish my successor all the best in their new role.”
In other changes, Cllr Nick King left the cabinet voluntarily to concentrate on his bid to become MP in Mid Poole and North Dorset and Cllrs Nicola Greene and Jane Montrose were promoted to the cabinet.
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