Plymouth council's acting leader thanks predeccessor

Previous leader resigned over controvercial tree decision

Plymouth City Council’s acting leader has praised the work of former leader Richard Bingley, who resigned on Monday following a controversial decision to axe 129 trees on Armada Way.

Conservative councillor for Budshead Mark Shayer is taking over from Cllr Bingley until after the local election in May.  

Fellow Tory Mr Bingley (Southway), did not attend the seven-hour full council meeting in which he was originally scheduled to face a vote of no confidence. 

Although he was expected to resign, councillors were informed of his departure two hours before they met. 

Labour hold the most seats on the council but are short of an overall majority and there had been speculation as to whether Labour leader, Tudor Evans, might take over from Cllr Bingley.

Rumours increased following a joint statement last week by Moor View MP Johnny Mercer and South West Devon MP Sir Gary Streeter – both Conservatives – who said Labour’s Cllr Evans should form an administration until the local elections in May.

 Cllr Evans, who represents Ham ward, said wanted the decision to be made by voters on 4 May. 

Following Monday’s meeting, the new acting leader Cllr Shayer said:  “I thank Cllr Richard Bingley for his leadership of Plymouth City Council over the last 18 months.

“As acting leader of Plymouth City Council, I will be working to create stability in the city as we head towards the local elections on Thursday 4 May.

“Our priorities remain gripping public finances, creating high value jobs, building more green homes, ensuring we have the best healthcare and education for our residents, delivering the airport and maximising the Freeport.”

A permanent leader of the council will be selected at the first major meeting after May’s election.