Annabel Shipley

Acting opposition leader, Rossendale Council

SO, we wave goodbye to another year and welcome in a new one, with hope and anticipation that the previous year’s difficulties will fade and the successes will grow and continue.

Hope, what a wonderful word that is. Sometimes so easy to experience and other times so difficult to contemplate. Yet as we reflect on another year, hope featured so many times in so many ways.

The awful terror attacks on Manchester and London and other places across the world affected many, the horrible tragedy of Grenfell Tower left images no person would ever wish to see but in those dark moments hope lit the way and we all witnessed the surge of humanity and togetherness that defines us as human beings. The efforts of our amazing emergency services and every day people during these horrific events were very humbling and I was pleased to hear in the New Year’s honours that these wonderful people will get duly recognised.

So as we all look forward to better days many of us will take our lead and inspiration from others. Family members, friends, colleagues, sportsmen/women, service men/women, doctors, nurses the list goes on and dare I say it even politicians.

For me there is one individual in particular who has inspired not only me during the last year but no doubt countless others.

This person began building his career and profile in 1990. Through hard work, commitment and some talent he honed his skills in team work and leadership building a reputation for honesty and openness that are the qualities that most definitely define him today.

In 2012 he turned up for a job interview with a powerpoint presentation that in his line of work seemed quite unorthodox. Again honesty set the theme and it was made quite clear that before success there would be failure but that was all part of the plan.

He got the job. True to his word with very limited fiscal funds he achieved the first part of his business plan but as forecast, success was short-lived and despite some investment, failure followed. Back to the drawing board, making the most of limited finances with close scrutiny and forward planning, constant discussion and negotiations it wasn’t long before sheer belief, determination, trust, honesty and respect helped Sean Dyche achieve the success that is Burnley FC.

What on earth has this got to do with local politics I hear you ask, quite simply, with limited funds, the manager of a small east Lancashire football club has built a success story based on mutual trust, respect, honesty, openness, forward thinking and accountability. Qualities we deserve from our council leaders, wouldn’t you agree?

Rossendale Borough Council is a small east Lancashire authority with limited funds, under the right management it too could prosper.

As always the Rossendale Conservatives are here to help. You can contact me at annabelshipley@rossendalebc.gov.uk /07817 363358.