Mike Whitby wins Birmingham City Council leadership contest
Mike Whitby has triumphed over his critics by defeating a bid to sack him as the leader of Birmingham City Council.
Conservative councillors threw out a challenge by Tory rival Randal Brew at their annual group meeting.
The decision means that Coun Whitby’s five-year spell at the head of the Conservative group and in charge of the council will continue.
Tory officials overseeing the contest at the Council House refused to say how many votes each candidate received but when the result was announced, loud cheers were audible to journalists standing outside the room where the ballot took place. Sources close to the council leader described the majority as ‘overwhelming’.
Coun Brew, a 65-year-old chartered accountant, based his campaign on claims that Coun Whitby’s style of leadership had lost the support of backbenchers.
Tories outside the cabinet were said to be furious when expensive plans to establish a municipal bank, build an Olympic-sized swimming pool and lend Warwickshire County Cricket Club £20million for ground improvements were announced in the press over their heads. There were also concerns about the apparent failure of the council leader to take any notice of criticism from scrutiny committees.
Coun Whitby (Con, Harborne) said: “I am very pleased and grateful for the group’s support and look forward to continuing to lead Birmingham.”
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