William Eichler 02 March 2018

UKIP loses control of its only local authority

UKIP lost control of Thanet District Council yesterday after a Conservative was voted in as leader.

A row over the use of an airfield split the pro-Brexit party leading to the UKIP council leader Chris Wells resigning last week.

One of the local party’s election promises in 2015 was to return the Manston Airport site to use as an airfield.

However, Mr Wells supported a plan that would see part of the site used for housing.

This led to 12 of UKIP’s 25 councillors setting up an independent group — precipitating Mr Wells’ decision to resign.

An extraordinary council meeting yesterday saw the Conservative councillor Bob Bayford elected leader, winning by 23 votes to six against Labour’s Karen Constantine.

Cllr Bayford will lead the council until the next elections which take place in May 2019.

#Elections #EU

Analysis

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.

Opinion

Parks: Councils' secret weapon, not an easy cut

Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd tells LocalGov why councils weighing cuts to green spaces are missing the bigger picture.

Most Popular News

PM hands mayors share of income tax

Rogue trader jailed for stealing £187k from 22 victims

Oldham Council acting ‘unlawfully’, legal boss says

Reform UK councillor charged over offensive social media post

Norfolk deputy leader urges Rayner to halt £96m reorganisation

New Products

Safeguarding Children - the AAT Way

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

Case Studies

Acrospire Improves Safety Across Greenwich Subways with LED Lighting Upgrade

Cornwall’s Coastal Heritage Lighting Upgraded with Acrospire Lanterns

Acrospire Delivers Durable Handrail Lighting Upgrade for Historical Landmark Jacob’s Ladder

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Company Anouncements

Acrospire promotes LED retrofit for structurally viable lighting assets

Vent-Axia Welcomes the Future Homes Standard as Competency Takes Centre Stage

Apricorn Becomes First and Only Hardware-Encrypted USB Storage Device Manufacturer to Achieve AS9100 Certification

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Compliance and Works Coordination Manager

Grade 12 £44,433 - 47,925 per annum

This role is central to ensuring that all highway activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in full compliance. Derbyshire

Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Accounting Officer

£33,699 - £35,412

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Financial Planning and Support team for a confident and motivated individual. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire

Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Social Work Trainee (Apprentice)

£33,143 - £36,363 per annum

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families across Gloucestershire? Gloucestershire

Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council

Director of Law, Governance, Policy and HR - Monitoring Officer

£107,232 to £112,065

This is a pivotal role, providing leadership across legal, HR, electoral and policy services at a defining moment for local government. West Bridgford, Nottingham

Recuriter: Rushcliffe Borough Council