Flintshire Councillors who split from labour to form new party reveal reasons for leaving

The councillors whose shock decision to leave Labour and form their own new party – Flintshire People’s Voice – at Flintshire County Council’s AGM have spoken out about what drove them – and their hopes for the future.

The shock move was led by Penyffordd councillor Alasdair Ibbotson during last weeks AGM of Flintshire Council at County Hall in Mold.

Their decision took the council by surprise – and saw Labour lose a number of key positions, while clinging onto the leadership by a single vote.

In his speech in the chamber, Cllr Ibbotson referenced disagreements with a cabinet member over the accuracy of information provided to a committee, describing it as “a matter of honour”.

Cllr Ibbotson said “this took place in a secret section of the meeting of the environment committee in January, relating to the council’s fleet contract, which has been in the news again recently after the provider entered administration.”

“Council rules prevent disclosure of discussions relating to contracts from being made public, so frustratingly, residents of Flintshire are prevented from knowing the exact details.”

“These contracts involve millions of pounds of public funds. It’s the bare minimum to expect cabinet members to know what’s in them, and to be able to give truthful and accurate responses to basic questions.”