Leadership changes again

THE merry-go-round in Rossendale’s main opposition Conservative group continues as they have announced another change of leader.

Coun Brian Essex will stand down from the role on September 30 after just under 18 months, the party announced this week.

Veteran Coun Peter Steen automatically steps up from deputy leader to take charge for the next six months, and will lock horns with Coun Alyson Barnes - who has been Labour group leader for 12 years, including the last eight as council leader.

Greensclough councillor Steen becomes the fifth leader of the Rossendale Conservative group since Darryl Smith stepped down after four ●» Councillor Brian Essex is standing down as Tory leader years in May 2016, following Coun Anne Cheetham, Coun Val Roberts, Annabel Shipley and Coun Essex.

Coun Essex said that increasing family commitments in the months to come have swayed the timing of his decision.

He said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the group over the last year and a half. Together we have grown to become a strong voice against some of the dangerous decisions being taken by the Labour-led council.

“Most recently we have actively supported residents against the shocking proposals to take trucks through and build on land at the back of Haslingden cemetery. As a result of this our team is now stronger and more united. The time is right now for me to step aside allowing our new team to come to the fore.

“I will continue to support the Conservative group in my role as Helmshore councillor.”

Coun Steen was taken by surprise by Coun Essex standing down.

He said: “Brian didn’t say anything until we were going into a group meeting. Under the group constitution if the leader steps down mid term the deputy takes over until the AGM in May when a new election will be held. I look forward to working with the new CEO and with the Conservative Group holding the ruling group to account for their mishandling of the council’s finances.”

He set out plans to hold the council to account over the Spinning Point regeneration, plus a comprehensive parking survey for Rawtenstall, and questioned the ‘fiasco’ over Haslingden Cemetery as well as the withdrawal of refuse collections from remote homes.

See Scribbler on p8.