WOLVO TORY REVELS IN “DECAPITATING” LABOUR

05-05-2008

The leader of Wolverhampton’s Conservatives has described his joy at “decapitating” Labour at Thursday’s Council elections when five Cabinet members lost their jobs. But he insists no deal has yet been done on a coalition with the Lib Dems and joked – “We might leave Labour to it.”

Neville Patten said: “During the Council meeting the night before the election, I pointed out the Labour Cabinet members to my colleague Paddy Bradley and told her exactly which ones would fall – and I was right.

“We decapitated them.”

Despite losing eight seats, Labour remain the largest party on the Council, but no longer have overall control.

That opens the way to a Birmingham-style “Progressive Partnership” between the Tories and the Liberal Democrats – an idea first floated in The Stirrer more than a month ago (see link here).

Although that remains the likeliest option, Patten insisted: “Nothing has been decided. There are a number of options, and until we’ve had our AGM on Tuesday evening I’m saying nothing.

“Who knows” he joked, “we might leave Labour to it.”

In terms of policy, he dismissed Labour claims that they were the victims of an unpopular government, and insisted that Wolverhampton’s inflation busting 4.9% Council Tax rise was the real issue on the doorstep.

Patten – dubbed “Granpa” – only assumed control of the Conservative group less than two months before the election, prompting speculation on The Stirrer Fourm that he might face a challenge unless the party did well.

It’s even been claimed that Tettenhall councillor Wendy Thompson – aka “Queen Wendy” – might be planning a challenge.

The Stirrer’s been told that any threat to Patten has now been withdrawn, and he’ll face a hero’s welcome from party members at this week’s AGM.

“As far as I’m concerned, my party is united” he said.

And he added, somewhat cryptically, “It will certainly appear that way after Tuesday.”

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