Mixed emotions as Peterborough City Council leader is ousted

The newly-appointed leader of Peterborough City Council, Councillor Farooq (standing), called it a "new dawn"

A vote of no confidence was passed at Peterborough City Council's meeting last night which removed the Conservative leader Wayne Fitzgerald.

The tense meeting - which saw a new leader installed - ran for almost five hours.

Former Conservative member Mohammed Farooq, now part of the independent group Peterborough First, will run the council as a minority.

Mr Fitzgerald said his group "will not recognise the new administration".

Councillor Wayne Fitzgerald said his party will try to oust the Peterborough First group in the next elections

The no confidence motion was put forward by Chris Harper, the leader of Peterborough First, and was backed by all the opposition parties.

It said they "no longer have trust in the leader and seek an alternative administration".

The motion to install Mohammed Farooq as the new leader was passed with 32 to 19 votes - with two abstentions.

Mr Fitzgerald, who represents the West ward on the city council, told the BBC: "They [Peterborough First] have no legitimacy to be there and have betrayed the public's trust.

"It did get a bit fraught tonight, but I am not a shy, retiring wallflower. I am going to say things as it is."

Responding to a "hand of friendship" from the new administration, Mr Fitzgerald called it "false prophets".

"It will all fall apart very quickly," he said.

'Legitimate leader'

He also hinted at his desire to put his hat in the ring for the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire Combined Authority leadership.

Newly-voted leader Mr Farooq, who represents Peterborough's Hargate and Hempstead ward, called it "the beginning of a new dawn".

"We are going to take it forward and provide more stability," he said.

"Anybody who has the majority of the council is the legitimate leader and we have that. In fact, twice of what Wayne had."

Peterborough's Labour group insists it is still the opposition as Mr Farooq (centre) of the Peterborough First Group is voted in as the new PCC leader

During the meeting, Mr Fitzgerald referred to Mr Farooq as a "liar" but was warned by the mayor to maintain respectful language.

Mr Farooq said he "won't be dragged to that level".

Independent councillor John Howard, who backed the new leadership motion, said he felt "sadness and relief" at the end of the night.

Mr Howard, also a former Conservative member said: "We have a minority administration but majority support from the chamber.

"Their behaviour [Tories[ is disappointing. I hope they regroup and relations can heal."

Councillor Dennis Jones, Labour leader for Peterborough, said he thought the meeting "went well".

"I had to speak out to ask them [Conservatives] to stop talking over others," he said.

"They showed no respect to the opposite side and it was a shame.

"I look forward to a new start but would like to remind people, this is not a coalition. We are still in opposition.

"We will be looking at everything on its merit, but we want to be critical friends."

Mr Farooq won the Peterborough City Council leadership vote 32 to 19 with two abstentions at Wednesday's full council meeting

Liberal Democrats leader councillor Christian Hogg said he hoped "Mr Fitzgerald comes back into the fold and works positively cross-party for Peterborough".

Councillor Julie Stevenson, of Orton Waterville ward - who also backed the no confidence motion - said: "I have not been comfortable with the whole thing.

"I wasn't sure why this was put forward but Peterborough First spoke to me and the Conservatives didn't speak to me and were not bothered about how I was going to vote.

"I don't know enough about Councillor Farooq. He is a pleasant man but he has a huge job ahead of him and I wish him good luck."

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