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

Protecting the public realm without shutting it down

As Martyn's Law approaches, this free special report from LocalGov and Hill & Smith sets out how councils can protect public spaces without shutting them down.

Local Government FM: Time for a real strategy

Talking to LocalGov, David Parrett, Director at Cadaema Consulting Services, argues that facilities management in local government needs a clear strategy.

Most Popular News

Bristol council leader defends flight after banning high-carbon ads

Labour Conference: McMahon will 'come back stronger' on LGR

Future Sheffield: How one city council is upskilling its workforce

Digital Transformation, AI and Local Government: The Case for Workforce Upskilling

London boroughs welcome devo plans but warn of £5.2bn funding gap

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's Heritage Lighting Upgrade at Britannia Quay Balances Performance and Ecology

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

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%

Senior Client Affairs Officer - until 31st March 2027

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Negotiable

Lead the vital work of managing client finances with care, accuracy and integrity As Senior Client Affairs Officer, you'll play a key leadership role in managing and protecting the finances of vulnerable residents who cannot manage their own money. England, London

Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Head of Finance and HR Systems

Negotiable

Lead the vital systems that power our council and enable our teams to deliver reliable, efficient services for our community As our Head of Finance and HR ICT Systems, you'll lead the digital backbone of Kensington and Chelsea, with strategic ownership England, London

Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Multi Trade Carpenter

Negotiable

Carry out high-quality repairs that keep our homes safe and well maintained England, London

Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Officer

Negotiable

Support residents with sensory loss to rebuild confidence, develop practical skills and live independently As a Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Officer, you'll support residents with sensory impairments to build practical skills, confidence, and indep England, London

Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council