Council leader survives vote of no confidence

The Conservative leader of Dudley Council, cllr Patrick Harley, has survived a bid to oust him at a meeting yesterday evening.

The Labour group called an extraordinary meeting to demand that  Mr Harley be removed from his position with immediate effect after allegations from fellow councillor, Natalie Neale who said she felt ‘uncomfortable’ in the leaders presence.

This evening polling saw 27 councillors vote in favour of the motion to oust Mr Harley, versus 38 against.

Speaking to Black Country Radio after the meeting, cllr Harley said:

“Apart from one member, I had the full support of the Conservative group this evening and I’m really grateful.

”This was a very cynical ploy by the Labour opposition and now we can move on with the business of the day and continue to improve life for our residents right across the borough.”