Council leader to quit amid pressure over finances

The critical state of the council's finances saw Mr Stuart face calls to resign last month

A Merseyside council leader has said he plans to resign the position.

Wirral Council boss Paul Stuart, announced his departure at a Labour group meeting at Wallasey Town Hall on Monday.

His decision to go came after the council found itself on the brink of financial collapse, and demand for him to step down grew within his own ranks.

Wirral Council is led by Labour but without overall control, meaning decisions has to be made on a cross-party basis.

Stuart, who became leader in 2023 after challenging former leader Janette Williamson for the role, said: "Being council leader of the place I call home is the greatest honour anyone could be given, and I have led the council with integrity during unprecedented financial circumstances.

"I have decided not to stand for leadership of the group or the council in May. This is the right decision for me.

"I have clarified my position to my group so that, as a Labour Group, we can elect a new group leader ahead of the council AGM.

"However, I will continue to represent the residents of Seacombe, where I live."

The critical state of the council's finances saw Mr Stuart face calls to resign at an emergency meeting last month.

A confidential letter, seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, was reportedly being circulated among some in the Labour group, urging the party to take action to help unseat him.

Councillor Stuart was first elected to the role in May 2016

It stated: "Serious failings in leadership have brought the borough to the brink of financial disaster.

"Reports of lack of governance, accountability, and critical mismanagement paint a stark picture of a council unable to meet its obligations to residents.

"It is now evident that the current leader and deputy leader lack the experience and capability to provide this level of leadership."

In a response to that letter, seen on Thursday 23 January, Mr Stuart said that he would "give consideration to and reflect on" his position as Labour group leader and leader of the council in the days that followed.

Wirral Council could find itself effectively bankrupt if the government does not grant it a £40m bailout.