Leaders fear party row may hit regen cash bid
FEARS have been stoked that political squabbles could hit the borough’s bid to land millions in government regeneration cash.
Hyndburn’s inconclusive local election results last week saw Labour lose control of the town hall - and could even lead to current leader Miles Parkinson remaining in post as council boss as an Independent.
The Altham councillor sensationally quit the Labour Party in March, claiming it was ‘unpleasant, bullying and vindictive’. Since then he has remained council leader while sitting as an Independent.
And he told the Observer he would be happy to stay on as borough political boss if asked.
Thursday’s local poll failed to produce a clear winner, leaving the Labour party - in control until a series of resignations - with 17 councillors and the Conservatives with 14, while there are now three Independents.
Acting Labour group leader Cllr Paul Cox has confirmed the largest party will bid to take control at the council’s annual meeting on May 19.
But Cllr Cox would need to get the votes of at least one of the independents - Cllr Parkinson, Huncoat’s ex-Labour Cllr Eamonn Higgins or former Tory Cllr Pat McGinley - to do so.
The Conservatives would be likely to back Cllr Parkinson against a Labour challenge, which could then lead to a Mayoral casting vote to secure a new administration.
On Friday after the final results were declared, Cllr Cox warned that other groups would have to “put the borough first” in order to prevent government regeneration investment through the Levelling Up Fund bid, plus the borough’s ambitious town centre improvement plans, placed in jeopardy.
This week, he said: “Labour in Hyndburn intend to take stock of the election results and move towards the annual meeting next looking to take control. We have an excellent history in control of Hyndburn and have worked to deliver several large projects.
“We are also waiting on the success of the ‘Levelling Up’ bid.
“Labour in power has brought significant change and investment and will continue to work to make the borough a better place to live and work.”
Cllr Parkinson said: “I would be happy to remain as leader, if asked. We are on the brink of receiving £100m from the government.
“It would be stupid, indeed criminal, to renege on that for short-term political gain.”
When asked, Cllr Higgins said he “could not vote for Labour”.
“If there is no challenge, Cllr Parkinson would remain leader,” he said. “If there is, I would be happy to vote for him.”
Conservative group leader Cllr Marlene Haworth said: “There are various options, including us seeking the leadership. If Labour challenge Cllr Parkinson, I would vote
for him and I suspect my group would too.”
There is one vacant seat in the council chamber for Overton ward after former leader Cllr Michael Hindley quit following an altercation with a member of the public during an interval in a council meeting.
If Labour were able to retake the seat in a byelection that would break the current deadlock.