Lib Dems act decisively to ensure stable leadership

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 19th Oct 2005

Responding to the break-up of the ruling Liberal Democrat - Conservative partnership administration on North Somerset Council last night, Councillor Alan Hockridge, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said:

"We are disappointed that Conservative members have felt unable to continue the partnership that has existed since 2003. We are particularly disappointed that they did not discuss their concerns with us, but instead opted to announce their decision at full council.

"With no one party in a majority on North Somerset Council, partnership working is vital. But more than that it is in the interests of North Somerset residents that all parties work together for the betterment of local services.

"Local people will make their own judgement on the fact that the Conservatives have put party point scoring before the concerns of the community.

"Liberal Democrats remain determined to ensure that North Somerset Council is run efficiently and effectively. As an interim measure, pending talks with other groups, we have named a minority Executive to run the day-to-day affairs of the authority.

"We pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of those Conservative Executive Members who have resigned their positions."

As Leader of North Somerset Council, Councillor Hockridge last night responded decisively to the withdrawal of the Conservative Group from the partnership by naming a new Executive team.

The following councillors will serve in the Executive:

Councillor Alan Hockridge - Leader of Council

Councillor Isabel Cummings - Deputy Leader of Council and Executive Member

for Community Safety & Housing

Councillor Mike Bell - Executive Member for Finance

Councillor John Crockford-Hawley - Executive Member for Strategic Planning

Councillor Peter Kehoe - Executive Member for Children's Services

Councillor Ron Moon - Executive Member for Adult Services

Councillor Bob Steadman - Executive Member for People & Property

Councillor Deborah Yamanaka - Executive Member for Environment & Community

Councillor Hockridge added: "We intend to have discussions with other groups on North Somerset Council to see if cross-party working can be re-established as we remain committed to working together for local people.

"However, the Liberal Democrats will not shirk the responsibility to offer leadership to our community and will not fight shy of the tough decisions needed to take us forward."