Lib Dem leader tables formal no confidence motion against Barnet Council leader in wake of leadership contest and allowances (From Times Series)

Lib Dem leader tables formal no confidence motion against Barnet Council leader in wake of leadership contest and allowances

12:16pm Friday 3rd September 2010 in

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A MOTION of no confidence has been filed against the leader of Barnet Council which, if successful, would see her removed from the post.

Councillor Lynne Hillan is facing a battle for the leadership of the Conservative group with Councillor Mark Shooter at their annual general meeting on Tuesday.

However, under constitutional rules she will remain leader of the council even if she loses that vote, unless removed after a vote of no confidence.

The leadership challenge was mounted after the Tories were criticised for increasing allowances for top councillors, in a climate of job and budget cuts at the council.

Councillor Jack Cohen, leader of the Lib Dems, filed the motion ahead of the full council meeting on September 14.

He told the Times Series: “It seems Cllr Hillan has lost the confidence of a good number of her own party, so it is wrong she should stay on as leader.

“The allowances scandal has tainted us all and painted every council as being in it for the money, which is not the case. I've never seen anything like this in 25 years.

“The council is haemorrhaging money and losing important legal battles and there is not the confidence in this leader to turn things around.”

Even if Cllr Hillan wins the Tory contest she could still be removed from the council leadership if enough of her own party vote against her.

In total 32 of the 63 councillors need to vote for her removal, and assuming all 24 opposition councillors back the motion, just eight Conservatives need to back it to succeed.