02 June 2006
The new leader of London's Conservative councillors is confident he will take control of the capital's local government body following the Tories' sweeping gains in last month's local elections.
Although Labour's Sir Robin Wales remains chair of the Association of London Government, the future political leadership of the organisation has been in doubt while councils in 'no overall control' choose a leader. The ALG's new chair will be elected on June 13.
But speaking to Public Finance this week, Merrick Cockell, leader of Kensington & Chelsea council and the new ALG Tory group leader, said: 'You never know until the day, but our expectation is that I will be chairing it.'
Of London's 32 boroughs, 16 have a Conservative leader, nine Labour and six Liberal Democrat. The balance of power could rest with the London Borough of Brent, which has NOC but has yet to choose a leader. In the event of a tie, the sitting ALG chair would have a casting vote.
Timing could be crucial. The LibDems are the largest party in Brent, with Labour second, but a council spokeswoman said that there was no firm date as yet for settling the leadership question.
However, Labour and LibDem insiders insist that Tory control is not a foregone conclusion.
A source told PF: 'Sixteen leaders is the worst possible result for the Conservatives. They won't be able to take control without the complicity of other groups.'
PFjun2006
