Conservative Bid to Oust Rutland County Council Leader Fails
A special meeting of Rutland County Council, called by the Conservative Group, failed to topple the current leader, Councillor Gale Waller, from her position. The meeting was prompted by the Conservative Group's desire to remove the Liberal Democrat leader, but she retained the confidence of the council. In the aftermath of the vote, Councillor Waller issued a statement addressing the challenges faced by the council and outlining her future vision for Rutland.
The Full Statement from Councillor Gale Waller
In her statement, Councillor Gale Waller acknowledged the difficulties facing local government while highlighting the progress made under her leadership. She addressed financial stability, service improvements, and the ongoing issue of local government reorganisation.
The full statement reads:
“The past few years have been some of the most difficult we have ever experienced in local government. I don’t just mean here in Rutland. Councils everywhere are under great strain to keep delivering the services that people rely on. The financial pressure we operate under is well known, while we must also contend with the added uncertainty brought about by local government reorganisation. This has not been easy for councillors, our officers or – most importantly – our residents. However, a huge amount of progress has also been made, whether you look at recent improvements in public transport, the performance and reliability of our waste and recycling services, the progress of our Local Plan or the continued excellence of our adults and children’s care services. We have also reached a point where the Council’s financial future is no longer in doubt, as it was when we relied on money from our reserves to get by each year. I recognise that this progress has been hard won and only achieved with some very difficult decisions.
“We don’t know what the future holds with regards to local government reorganisation – only that national government will make the final decision on the composition of new council areas. All we can do is try to influence this process and the eventual outcome. We will continue to engage with neighbouring councils in both Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, as we have done throughout. We have collaborated on a proposal for our Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland invitation area but want to be in full possession of as much evidence and information as possible on all the different options before determining what is put forward by Rutland in November. Councillors will also consider and debate all the options relating to LGR at Full Council in November, prior to any final submission being made. I am thankful to my fellow Councillors for their continued support. I want to renew my commitment to work with each and every one of them, as well as with our residents, to secure the best possible future for Rutland.”
Councillor Gale Waller, Leader of Rutland County Council
Focus on Financial Stability and Reorganisation
Councillor Waller emphasised that the council's financial future is no longer in doubt, a significant achievement given its previous reliance on reserves. This stability, she noted, was the result of "very difficult decisions."
She also outlined the council's approach to the local government reorganisation (LGR), a process that could see Rutland merge with neighboring authorities. Gale Waller stated that the council's role is to "influence this process," and that they are collaborating with councils in Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. The final decision on the matter will be made by the national government, but Rutland County Council plans to debate all options at a full council meeting in November before making a final submission. This measured approach aims to ensure that the best interests of Rutland residents are represented.
The statement concluded with an appeal for unity, with Councillor Waller renewing her commitment to working with all councillors and residents to secure the best possible future for the county.
.JPG)
