Birmingham City Council leader quits after criticisms

THE leader of Birmingham City Council, Sir Albert Bore is to stand down in December it has been announced.

Sir Albert’s decision to resign follows recent criticisms of his leadership by two Labour colleagues – including one who resigned from the council’s cabinet in protest.

Sir Albert, who resumed control of the council in 2012 after Labour ousted the Conservatives has been in charge of the largest council in Europe during a period of upheaval, which culminated in the Government commissioning an independent panel to assess the authority’s actions following a number of well-publicised failings in areas such as education – the Trojan Horse affair – and children’s services.

The need to balance the council’s budgets following major compensation payments and criticisms over outsourced support services have added to the burden.

However, there were also positives – such as the recent opening of the £750m New Street Station redevelopment and opening of Grand Central.

A passionate advocate of devolution, Sir Albert has also been heavily involved in the development of the proposed new West Midlands Combined Authority – the region’s challenge to the Northern Powerhouse.

However, the recommendations of the Independent Review Panel and the fate of Birmingham’s continued involvement in the WMCA will now rest with someone else.

In a brief statement, Sir Albert said a “new voice” would now steer the city through the next stage of its history.

He said it had been an “honour and a privilege” to serve the authority and his efforts now would be on finding a successor to see through the work he has started.
 
Business leaders in Greater Birmingham have been quick to pay tribute.

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), said: “Sir Albert will leave a legacy as a hugely influential leader of Birmingham.
 
“He has driven the economic regeneration of the city and it is partly down to him that the city is enjoying its acclaimed renaissance today.  We will, of course, now work hard with his successor to drive the crucial role business has to play in the health and future prosperity of the city.”
 
As late as last week, Sir Albert had given no indication he would step down. However, the U-turn appears to have been prompted from criticisms of his leadership style from within his own party.

In an open letter announcing his resignation from the city’s cabinet, Cllr James McKay said: “To meet the challenges facing the council, and the city, we need a simple, convincing political vision, one that can inspire citizens, get partners around the table, and be a clear map for how the council itself needs to move forward.

“This can’t be done by a leader or cabinet members alone. We’ve got to shift how the Executive works with the Labour group and the wider council.

“Your contribution to Birmingham has been enormous, and the city will always been in your debt. However, I no longer believe we can make the changes Birmingham needs under your leadership.”