Council leader survives no confidence vote

Gale Waller of the Liberal Democrats has led Rutland County Council since May 2023

The leader of Rutland County Council has survived a confidence vote held during a special meeting of the authority.

Gale Waller, a Liberal Democrat who has led the council since elections in 2023, was the subject of a vote of no confidence brought by the Conservative group.

The vote came amid an uncertain future for the authority, with upcoming local government changes potentially threatening its existence.

A total of eight councillors voted in favour of the motion of no confidence at Tuesday's meeting, while 14 voted against and two members abstained.

'Continuity and stability'

An overhaul of local government proposed by Labour could see smaller district councils merged with county councils to create single bodies, known as unitary authorities, representing populations of about 500,000.

Rutland only has a population of about 40,000, meaning it could lose its independent status if the changes are made.

The issue has been the subject of a number of public meetings, some arranged by Rutland and Stamford's Conservative MP Alicia Kearns.

Waller told the meeting she is in "further discussions" with neighbouring councils about what their plans are and how it would affect Rutland.

A special meeting was held on Tuesday

County councillor Lucy Stephenson, who brought the no confidence motion, said she and her colleagues were "using our constitutional rights to speak out".

She said Waller "has persisted in her position" without consulting constituents, and called for Rutland residents to have a say in the county's future.

"Local government reorganisation will impact how our services are designed and delivered," she said.

"The independence of Rutland could be lost - it must not be confused with devolution."

As well as discussing the future of the county, councillors clashed over how they felt the leader was running Rutland.

Waller denied ignoring residents, but said the decision on the county's future was out of their hands, and said she had to base her actions on advice from council officers.

She defended her record, claiming her Lib Dem-led administration had improved the authority's finances to a point where it may be able to freeze council tax for the first time in a decade.

She told the meeting residents would be best served by her remaining in position.

"Negotiations with our neighbours are continuing, and so at this delicate time it would be an advantage for Rutland to have continuity and stability," she said.

"Make no mistake, the White Paper and subsequent bill gives neither Rutland councillors nor Rutland residents any say as to what happens to us.

"The decision and the power lies with ministers - all any of us can do is to try and influence that decision."