Labour leaders face double contest
HYNDBURN council’s Labour group boss Coun Miles Parkinson is to face an election when the group holds its annual meeting on Monday night.
He is facing a challenge from Clayton-le-Moors ward’s Coun Melissa Fisher.
His deputy Coun Paul Cox is also to face an election, with Rishton’s Coun Kate Walsh as his rival.
The contest follows Labour losing a net four wards to the Conservatives in last Thursday’s borough elections - losing five and gaining Barnfield. Hyndburn Labour also suffered two reverses to the Tories in the county hall elections.
Coun Parkinson, leader of the Labour group for 11 years and the council for 10, said: “The Labour group will meet on Monday night.
“There will be a leadership election and also one for the deputy leadership currently held by Coun Paul Cox. I am happy to take part in the leadership election process. This is democracy in action within the Labour group.”
Coun Fisher said: “Hyndburn Council has never had a female leader.
“We feel a female leadership and fresh approach would be positive for the borough and its residents. The group needs a rethink after losing wards in the election. We would seek to stop the drift in its thinking with new policies, including a review of plans for Accrington town centre.”
Coun Walsh, who was unsuccessful in her bid to land one of two county council seats up for grabs in Great Harwood, Rishton & Clayton-le-Moors, said: “The public has spoken and we feel it is time for a change.”
Coun Cox said anybody is perfectly entitled to stand for the democratically elected roles and the group was “simply following the process”. He added: “I wish good luck to all the candidates.”
Conservative group leader Marlene Haworth, who is unlikely to face a challenge when their group also meets on Monday, said: “It is not for me to comment on Labour’s internal disputes - of which there are many.”
● Local elections coverage on p12-13.