Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has removed its leader following political fallout over a request to postpone upcoming local elections.
Labour leader Cllr Chris Watkins was voted out at an Extraordinary Council meeting on Wednesday after asking the Government to consider delaying elections as part of local government reorganisation plans.
The move sparked strong opposition from Conservative, Green and Liberal Democrat councillors, who joined forces to pass a vote of no confidence.
Despite the leadership change, Labour has retained overall control of the authority. Labour councillor Steve Hey was subsequently elected as the council’s new leader and Cllr Watkins has been appointed Deputy Leader.
The controversy comes as Local Government Secretary Steve Reed confirmed that elections will be postponed in 29 council areas — but Nuneaton and Bedworth is not among them.
Check out: Local Government Reorganisation: What It Means and Why It Matters.
