Reputation of Scarborough Borough Council 'has been harmed'
The Leader of Scarborough Borough Council, Steve Siddons, has been reacting to a vote of no confidence against him being defeated.
The Leader of Scarborough Borough Council has been reacting to a vote of no confidence against him being defeated.
Steve Siddons survived the vote yesterday, 25 to 20, meaning he will remain in his current role.
It is the second time in a year that the motion has not passed.
Cllr Siddons said:
"This was a needless and pointless action. It was brought about by some councillors who for whatever reason still don't really understand the job that they were elceted to do. It was a huge waste of time and resources and our reputation as a council as a respected council and a decision making body has been harmed.
"All I'm grateful for is the support that I've received from the majority of members who understands what we're doing is the right thing. We've had a really difficult period in the last year, but we've managed to make sure that we're looking after residents and making sure we're supporting businesses.
"I'll be able to tell you in the next few weeks and months of some really exciting things that are going to be happening in the borough so I'm looking forward to that. I'm not looking back. I'm looking forward to things that we're doing and as far as I'm concerned, it's business as usual and making sure that the life of every resident in this borough is the best it can be.
"We've been absolutely clear about this from the start. We had a manifesto that we were elected on, we've got a series of policies which include sorting out what's gone on at the Futurist site, sorting out the Benchmark site and I'll be able to make an announcement about that soon.
"We've got nearly 3,000 people on the housing waiting list and the basic things that people need is a decent roof over their head, and we're moving ahead with that now. We've entered into a partnership with Beyond Housing and we'll be building new affordable houses for people to buy and rent.
"It's business as usual. I'll always listen to what people have to say and any sensible ideas or suggestions, I'll look at and think carefully about; but I have no plans at the present to have a rainbow coalition more than the one I've already got.
"We have a coalition. We work closely with a large group of Independents, with the Greens and with other members of the council and I think that's the best way to move forward. I will listen to what people have had to say and if I feel I need to make changes to anything, I will do that."