Scarborough Borough Council Leader survives third vote of no confidence

Councillor Steve Siddons will remain in his role at the authority which he took on in 2019

Author: Karen LiuPublished 17th Jan 2022

The Leader of Scarborough Borough Council has survived a vote of no confidence - his third in less than three years.

It is after a motion was put forward suggesting there has been a lack of transparency, inclusivity, and respect towards members and proposed for Steve Siddons to stand down.

But it was defeated with 26 votes against to 20 in favour meaning he will stay in his role at the authority which he took on in 2019.

A Full Council meeting was held earlier today (Monday 17th January) in which Cllr Siddons said:

"I'm happy to stand on my record as Leader. This administration has given far more member briefings in the last two years than any recent administration. We've doubled the scrutiny function and we also have a strong audit function which is well balanced across the political factions.

"We've delivered on the vast majority of our manifesto pledges with the help and support of our independent colleagues and other members. We've also been fortunate to secure the support of government and local business through various funding streams. This has only been possible through collaboration, co-operation, and constructive dialogue being open and transparent.

"There's no hidden agenda here. There are no secret deals. There's no wasting of money. We are simply intent on improving the prosperity and subsequent life chances for the people of this borough, that's what I was elected for, that's what we were all elected for. We should be getting on and deliver on our compact with the electorate.

"Having a strong and stable administration is key to delivering the best outcomes. The public are more interested in what we can do for them, not what we can do for ourselves, and that's what this administration is about."

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