THE LEADER of the Green and Independent alliance group, Coun Matt Jenkins has been elected as the leader of Worcestershire County Council.
After former Reform UK Councillor Jo Monk was ousted by her own party, Coun Alan Amos was selected to be leader.
He was set to be sworn into the role today at a full council meeting and Coun Rob Wharton nominated his fellow Reform UK colleague, Coun Alan Amos for the post of leader.
He said he had known Coun Amos for 12 months, praising his ‘statesmanlike ability. political experience and dignity’.
“I’m certain he will lead the council with the dignity and respect the office deserves.”
His nomination was seconded by another Reform UK councillor, Santinder Bell.
She said Coun Amos had a wealth of experience, adding whenever she asked him for advice, he always provided it.
But in a shock turn of events, Dan Boatright-Greene, leader of the Lib Dems, put forward Green and Independent alliance group leader councillor Matt Jenkins.
Coun Boatright-Green praised Coun Jenkins’ integrity and sense.
“It’s not my party and we don’t always agree but I know I can work with him.
“What has happened on this council in the last 12 months has been an embarrassment and I don’t want another 12 months like this.”
He praised Coun Jenkins’ integrity, adding: ‘He will listen’.
Conservative Coun Adam Kent seconded the motion before going into a tirade about the past 12 months under Reform UK.
He criticised the ‘public resignations’, ‘internal feuding’, ‘leadership coups’, ‘councillors walking away’ and added: “This council has been better known for drama rather than delivery.
“The public are watching from afar and thinking: ‘if this is what Government is all about, it has to change’.”
He added Reform had promised to reduce tax and cut waste but had then ‘voted through a large council tax increase and the finances had deteriorated further’.
And he highlighted Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s comments where he described Worcestershire County Council as a ‘basket case’.
Speaking in favour of Coun Jenkins, he praised his seriousness, consistency and willingness to work constructively with other parties for the good of Worcestershire.
“He is experienced and has shown he understands the scale of the financial constraints and challenges the council faces.
“Worcestershire deserves stability, competence, honesty and mature leadership.
“It needs mutual respect between groups who need to put the county before party politics.”
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice MP hit back at the decision, saying the message from Worcestershire is clear – vote Tory, get Polanski.
He said: “Kemi Badenoch must come clean – has she personally signed off on her party jumping into bed with the Green Party?
“After bankrupting Worcestershire County Council when they were in charge, the Tories have now inflicted on local residents a radical outfit that wants an amnesty for all illegal migrants and the blanket legalisation of every drug.”
