Freer accused of 'jumping ship' ahead of Futureshape (From Times Series)

Opposition leaders slam Barnet Council leader's decision to quit

5:54pm Wednesday 25th November 2009 in News By Alex Hayes

OPPOSITION councillors have criticised the council leader's decision to quit ahead six months before crucial local elections.

Councillor Mike Freer announced today he would step down as Barnet Council's leader at the next full council meeting in December, to concentrate on his parliamentary campaign.

Cllr Alison Moore, the Labour group leader criticised his decision to leave, said: “This is recognition of just how damaging the scandals of £27m of taxpayers' money frozen in Icelandic banks and £10m overspend on the Aerodrome Road bridge rebuild and the axing of the sheltered housing housing wardens has been for Cllr Freer.

“Now the Ryanair budget airline model for the council has been forced into the open he really can't afford to hang on any longer.

“He has not had his eye on the ball for some time and the people of Barnet know it.”

Lib Dem leader Cllr Jack Cohen accused him of “jumping ship” before the Futureshape project goes live next April.

He said: “He's been leader of the council for three-and-a-half years, to then go off four months before the council cycle finishes I think smacks of jumping ship. Does he know something we do not?

“There's every chance the general election will be on the same day as the council elections. If things go badly then he can say 'It's nothing to do with me I wasn't leader at the time'. That's how it seems.”

To see a statement from Cllr Free click the link below. What do you think? Leave your comments below.