Labour resigned to losing Waggott
South Tyneside Labour leader to lose seat - almost official
Local Labour councillors are already holding an unofficial sweepstake on who will fill the top posts in South Tyneside after the expected defeat of their Leader in the Fellgate and Hedworth ward in May, they have already given up the ghost in their hopes of staving off another defeat at the hands of an Independent!
The hot money is on Cllr. Iain Malcolm, the current deputy leader to win the race for the top job, but Hebburn Coucillor Eddie McAtominey is still trying to make the running in an effort to beat him to the winning post claiming that his retirement gives him all the time in the world to carry out the leader’s duties.
If Malcolm wins the Leader’s job will Labour look to a mid Tyne councillor to be deputy? If so will “Big Eddie’s” attempts to thwart Malcolm cost him dearly? Money is already being staked on Cllrs. Joanne Bell (remember, she’s the lady quite prepared to criminalise a shop assistant - that will put paid to her chances) and “Tyne Tunnel” Tom Hanson.
Local Labour socialites will be gathering shortly at the home of former MEP and South Tyneside councillor Alan Donnelly for a reception, where, no doubt, the knives will be handily left on the kitchen worktop - watch your backs everyone!
This could be a little more entertaining than the real elections in May, perhaps we should have public hustings where the loser gets voted out in each round, instead of calling it “Pop Idol” we could name it “Idle Prop”.
The power of leadership is obviously a great lure. Maybe the quote could be amended to suggest a Pop Idol contest for councillors to demonstrate why they should be leader.
Comment by Ellee — February 19, 2008 @ 5:34 pm
“contest for councillors to demonstrate why they should be leader”
i would like to hear that
Comment by sless — February 19, 2008 @ 9:25 pm
“claiming that his retirement gives him all the time in the world”
Whatever happened to Washington Graphics?
Comment by rossinisbird — February 20, 2008 @ 12:12 pm
Curly you`ve got Cllr Bell at 10/1 . Thats if she keeps her seat in may.
The residents of boldon are very upset with the Local Cllr`s over the School Isue.
Comment by Arther — February 20, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
interesting….wonder what the dream ticket is…..Malcolm and Bell?
I know what the nightmare ticket wonder be Branley for Leader with Elsom as her Deputy.
Don’t be too keen to write Waggott off just yet - he’ll have a few tricks up his sleeve!
Comment by vicky — February 23, 2008 @ 7:56 pm
Curly
All this does assume that the electors of Fellgate will see the Independent candidate as a realistic alternative to Cllr Waggott - bearing in mind that she has no previous allegiance to the area at all and until very very recently was touting herself as a potential candidate around the Labour Wards of South Shields. As I’ve said before, perhaps they will see her for what she is - a chancer and opportunist jumping on the single issue bandwagon.
Comment by Westy — March 3, 2008 @ 11:46 pm
“What mighty contests arise from trivial things.” And there can’t be anything more insulting to the people of Fellgate and Hedworthfied than the trivialising of the proposed children’s play facilities by the Independent Councillors of said Ward. Give Councillor Waggott his due. He knows what his constituents deserve and surely, among other things, that has to be improved opportunities for their children. Go for it Councillor Waggott. Children are our future as I’m sure you are well aware.
Comment by Westietoo — March 4, 2008 @ 12:13 am
[...] the much touted position of Deputy Leader will not be going to the man I predicted in a spoof betting list back in February. Cllr. Eddie McAtominey is to suffer a major shock and setback in his ambitions and a new name has [...]
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