Islington's LibDem run council in panic mode

Earlier in the week, from a most unlikely source I received a copy of a two page letter written by Andrew Cornwall one of my ward councillors which he sent to Islington council's leader James Kempton.

Dear James

After our discussion earlier this week I am writing to confirm my resignation as Executive member for Finance. I will also be stepping down as Chair of the pensions Sub Committee and the Northern Area planning Sub-Committee.

First thoughts sh..... is another by-election looming. Loads of questions running though my mind. Is he going to resign. Legally he can remain a councillor until his term of office expires but in what capacity. If he resigns from the party and stays as an in dependant or defects to another party the balance of power in the council will change.

As somebody who is passionate about green issues, many people are presuming he will return to the Green Party whose policies are more in line with his ideals. Would be difficult for him to remain as a backbench Lib Dem councillor. They're an unforgiving lot and will close ranks against him

Seems the same letter was sent to the Islington Tribune LIB DEMS MAY LOSE POWER AT TOWN HALL

This week ward residents received a survey from the Labour party. That set alarm bells ringing. It's a known political tactic to start sending out literature when they expect a by-election. Ironically it's about local crime/anti social behaviour one of the issues I'm passionate about. When I recently made enquiries about a possible solution suggested by the local community police I was informed it is not on the councils agenda at the moment - shock horror, when people want to see more action on crime they are planning to cut expendure on local crime-fighting.

Andrew concludes his letter, I hope you and colleagues will reflect on the concerns I have raised here. I would go as far as to say that if they are not properly addressed, not only will Liberal Democrats not be re-elected to run Islington, they will not deserve to be.

Strong word indeed but food for thought...

Update: Lib Dems power crisis-‘Buck stops with me’ – leader - LIB Dem leader James Kempton has been forced to defend his party’s record follow­ing damning accusa­tions revealed in Councillor Andrew Cornwell’s resignation letter.