The Kerslake report highlighted many issues that the People of Birmingham faced with their Council, note their Council.
It highlighted a serious disconnect between the people and the elected officials that are there to serve them. Various failings such as Children Services, education following the mishandling of the Trojan Horse affair, issues affecting cohesion and inequality, also reflective governance.
It is therefore, with now surprise that finally a Cabinet Member, has this week had the courage to speak out and resign as they are completely disillusioned under the leader of Sir Albert Bore, although still keeping faith in Labour.
Councillor James McKay, made it clear in his letter of resignation that there is a need for a new direction and for meaningful partnerships at grass roots, as oppose to the what he describes a "Fake" relationships with those organisations with stylish buildings and good balance sheets.
The Kerslake report highlighted the disconnect with the people of Birmingham, but, commented on the strong and visible leadership, which some may argue, it was a comment more about control than good leadership.
The resignation of councillor McKay has clearly, brought this strong and visible leadership into question, however, despite this there is no sign of making way, for a new leader at present.
Sir Albert Bore who must be credited with a lot of the regeneration plans taking place and being developed in Birmingham, must appreciate that it is the people of Birmingham that will pay the ultimate price, for which the Equal pay debacle is a solid example of the apparent non transparency and accountability that exists.
Despite being the Ward Councillor of Ladywood Ward which exemplifies a typical example of extreme wealth and extreme poverty side by side, as leader he is only accountable to the Labour Group and whilst despite the efforts of John Clancy, Sir Albert remains in power and indeed this week whilst filling the vacant Cabinet Post, remains at the helm, of an authority which has the lingering threat of Government Commissioners at the front door.
Clearly, it is time for the Labour Group to act, as whilst I am sure there are other Cabinet members painfully remaining silent, they must appreciate that issues such as this will only increase the disaffection and disconnect here in Birmingham.
Indeed, reports that some 57000 people will be remove from the voting register, cannot solely be attributed to the advent of single voter registration, as it is clear from my discussions that man y do not see the point and behaviour such as this type of non accountability is unhelpful in tackling the disaffection and disconnect here in Birmingham.
It is time for the Labour Group in Birmingham to take stock and decide upon their direction, however, they must appreciate that should Government Commissioners be appointed then mud does stick, and I am sure that the phrase "were all in this together" will be a significant one.
Birmingham needs saving and the future is in the hands of the members of the ruling Labour Group, however, if they don't act quickly, then the Government will undoubtedly act as it is clear following the comments reported in the Birmingham Mail by Sir Albert that the Government may have to "drag him out".
I believe the time has come for him to resign.
Desmond Jaddoo
11.10.2015
It highlighted a serious disconnect between the people and the elected officials that are there to serve them. Various failings such as Children Services, education following the mishandling of the Trojan Horse affair, issues affecting cohesion and inequality, also reflective governance.
It is therefore, with now surprise that finally a Cabinet Member, has this week had the courage to speak out and resign as they are completely disillusioned under the leader of Sir Albert Bore, although still keeping faith in Labour.
Councillor James McKay, made it clear in his letter of resignation that there is a need for a new direction and for meaningful partnerships at grass roots, as oppose to the what he describes a "Fake" relationships with those organisations with stylish buildings and good balance sheets.
The Kerslake report highlighted the disconnect with the people of Birmingham, but, commented on the strong and visible leadership, which some may argue, it was a comment more about control than good leadership.
The resignation of councillor McKay has clearly, brought this strong and visible leadership into question, however, despite this there is no sign of making way, for a new leader at present.
Sir Albert Bore who must be credited with a lot of the regeneration plans taking place and being developed in Birmingham, must appreciate that it is the people of Birmingham that will pay the ultimate price, for which the Equal pay debacle is a solid example of the apparent non transparency and accountability that exists.
Despite being the Ward Councillor of Ladywood Ward which exemplifies a typical example of extreme wealth and extreme poverty side by side, as leader he is only accountable to the Labour Group and whilst despite the efforts of John Clancy, Sir Albert remains in power and indeed this week whilst filling the vacant Cabinet Post, remains at the helm, of an authority which has the lingering threat of Government Commissioners at the front door.
Clearly, it is time for the Labour Group to act, as whilst I am sure there are other Cabinet members painfully remaining silent, they must appreciate that issues such as this will only increase the disaffection and disconnect here in Birmingham.
Indeed, reports that some 57000 people will be remove from the voting register, cannot solely be attributed to the advent of single voter registration, as it is clear from my discussions that man y do not see the point and behaviour such as this type of non accountability is unhelpful in tackling the disaffection and disconnect here in Birmingham.
It is time for the Labour Group in Birmingham to take stock and decide upon their direction, however, they must appreciate that should Government Commissioners be appointed then mud does stick, and I am sure that the phrase "were all in this together" will be a significant one.
Birmingham needs saving and the future is in the hands of the members of the ruling Labour Group, however, if they don't act quickly, then the Government will undoubtedly act as it is clear following the comments reported in the Birmingham Mail by Sir Albert that the Government may have to "drag him out".
I believe the time has come for him to resign.
Desmond Jaddoo
11.10.2015