Hastings: Council leaders face no confidence votes

Motions of no confidence are due to be tabled in Hastings Borough Council's political leadership

The leadership of Hastings Borough Council are facing a series of no-confidence votes.

At an extraordinary meeting on 17 January leader Paul Barnett, his deputy Maya Evans and the remaining four cabinet members are expected to face motions of no confidence.

They resigned as Labour members in December to form the new Hastings Independents group.

Two more Labour councillors joined in the following days.

The motion, which could remove the leadership from office, has been jointly tabled by the five remaining Labour councillors.

Paul Barnett is facing a challenge to his leadership of Hastings Borough Council

A written preamble to the motion said: "At a vital time in our council's financial stability, strong leadership and an administration focussed on key decisions in the interests of our residents is needed.

"The current leader, deputy leader and named cabinet members have by their recent actions destabilised the functioning and administration of the council.

"We believe their recent actions have created uncertainty at this critical time and do not provide this council and the residents of Hastings with the confidence that is required to make key budgetary, strategic and financial decisions securing our council's finances and protecting statutory services for our residents.

"We therefore call on our fellow councillors to support this motion and work together with us to vote for an alternative leader and administration."

The Hastings Independents have been approached for comment.

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