Council chief loses out in leadership contest

May 19 2011

David Shakespeare is to step down as Bucks County Council leader after losing a leadership election.

THE leader of Bucks County Council, David Shakespeare is to step down from the top job at county hall after losing a leadership battle, it emerged yesterday (Wednesday).

The vote among Conservative members of the council saw Mr Shakespeare, the leader for the last 10 years, lose out to Tory colleague Martin Tett.

Members have said they were unhappy with the council's handling of key decisions including library funding cuts, the fight against HS2, roads and school travel.

The leader of Chiltern District Council and fellow Conservative colleague, Nick Rose, said: "He's been leader for a number of years and I think they thought it was time for a change. Martin Tett's an exceptional councillor and I give him every support I can."

He added: "I think they (Conservative members) just felt it was time to move on - there was dissatisfaction over libraries, roads and the school to transport issues - but probably no more than in other parties.

"I think some members believe the council haven't dealt with these issues very well."

South Bucks District Council deputy leader Roger Reed said: "I think the fact there was a leadership challenge and Martin Tett was elected with a very large majority says it all.

"I think Martin Tett felt it was time for a different kind of leadership."

Martin Phillips, ex Amersham Mayor and a Conservative at BCC said: "Every year we have a leadership election. David has been there ten years and he has been a fantastic leader. I think he went because a lot of members wanted a fresh approach.

"Martin Tett is a fantastic councillor and I think what we were looking for was a slightly more pro-active approach to HS2. He is quite outspoken and has been to a lot of road shows and I think as a leader he will give it a lot more clout.

"I asked the question about HS2 at the meeting and for me Martin was far more up front about it and wanted to take the fight further.I think this was important for the people in South Bucks, Chiltern and Aylesbury Vale. Perhaps with David being a Wycombe councillor he did not realise just how important the issue is but he has done a fantastic job.

"I think he [David] always thought he would lose the battle and Martin thought he would win, and it is that positive attitude that we liked.

"I think he [ David] was a bit devastated after ten years, it's a long time.

David Shakespeare was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.