Bid to unseat Wolverhampton council leader Roger Lawrence fails
The leader of Wolverhampton council has survived a challenge to his leadership.
Councillor Roger Lawrence defeated a bid from Councillor Ian Brookfield to take control of the council.
But sources claim the challenge highlights the divisions within the city’s Labour group.
In a vote at the group’s annual general meeting last Friday, Mr Lawrence – group leader for the last 16 years – received 28 votes to Mr Brookfield’s 20.
Fallings Park councillor Mr Brookfield was initially part of a joint bid with Councillor Sandra Samuels, who had put herself forward for the deputy leader position before pulling out at the last minute.
Mr Lawrence said: “It is perfectly within the gift of people to mount a leadership challenge, and it is up to the group to choose who the leader is.”
Former city mayor Mr Brookfield said: “I am overwhelmed by the size of support my leadership bid garnered.
“Many people could see that the change offered to them would move our city forward into the future.”
A Labour group source said: “The group is split down the middle.”
Mr Lawrence is expected to name his new cabinet early next week.
It will go before full council on Wednesday.
He has served as a councillor since 1983 and has been the authority’s leader since it came under Labour control eight years ago, having previously led the council from 2002 to 2008.
He was elected as Labour group leader in 2002 following the retirement of Norman Davies.
