A VOTE of no confidence motion in the Conservative BCP Council leader is set to be tabled at next month’s full council meeting.

The Christchurch Independents group have submitted the motion following “appalling scenes” at the full council meeting earlier this week.

The move comes around 20 months after Conservative Cllr Drew Mellor ousted Liberal Democrat Cllr Vikki Slade through a vote of no confidence.

Christchurch Independents’ motion, which will be proposed by Cllr Lesley Dedman and seconded by Cllr Simon McCormack, claims that the Tory administration’s actions and decisions, as well as the behaviour of the leadership, brought the authority into “local and national disrepute”.

Regarding the events of full council on Tuesday, April 26, the motion says this would have “shamed and embarrassed any council, let alone one of the newest and largest authorities in the country”.

“The administration has lost the trust of residents, many of whom believe this is now a failing council,” the motion will say.

“The conduct of the leadership of the council, particularly the leader and deputy leader, is creating distrust in and suspicion of the activities and motivations of this council amongst the residents, businesses, visitors and councillors of the conurbation and beyond.

Bournemouth Echo: The motion will be proposed by Cllr Lesley DedmanThe motion will be proposed by Cllr Lesley Dedman

“As one of the newest and largest local authorities this council should be a shining example, but the controversial decisions and anomalous plans made by this administration are destroying the reputation of BCP Unitary council by their concentration on fulfilling their grandiose schemes for the three towns of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole at any cost, but with no provision for future loss.”

As reported, a council review has been launched following the events at Tuesday’s Bournemouth Town Hall meeting which was adjourned until May 10 due to a “health and safety risk assessment”.

Chief executive Graham Farrant refused to provide any details on the reasons behind this, citing “data protection legislation”.

The local authority also declined to provide any information on the format of the review, its timescales and whether its findings would be made available to the public.

It was claimed by opposition councillors during Tuesday’s meeting that two members of the ruling Conservative group, who had allegedly tested positive for Covid, arrived at the council chamber during a break in proceedings having previously given apologies for absence.

Cllr Mellor told the Daily Echo neither of the Conservative leadership made requests for the two members of the group who arrived late to attend.

Bournemouth Echo: Councillor Drew MellorCouncillor Drew Mellor (Image: BCP Council)

When asked if any other members of the Tory group had requested their attendance, he said: “Not to my knowledge.”

The vote of no confidence motion will be tabled at full council on May 10.

Cllr Paul Hilliard, leader of Christchurch Independents, emailed all councillors last Friday to confirm an agreement had been reached by the council leader and attendees at a democratic services engagement that members should not attend full council if unwell for any reason.

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