Conservatives Move to Oust Liberal Democrat Leader

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is Lester News today. Conservatives on Harboro District Council are making a move to seize control. As the biggest single group with 16 seats, they put forward a motion to oust Liberal Democrat leader Phil Knowles from his position. The council has been tightly split since Knowles formed a 16-member coalition with labor, greens, and independence back in 2023. But lately, that group has hit roadblocks, like failing to pass the latest budget without conservative backing for big changes. Knowles slammed the effort as a power grab, boasting that his team accomplished more in three years than the Tories did in the prior 20. Conservative leader Simon Wellband fired back, pointing to the coalition's recent losses in key votes as proof they no longer hold a solid majority. Tensions boiled over with a narrow vote to send a new local plan to the government, outlining spots for up to 6,500 homes through 2041. The Conservatives opposed it, but their reason by election win has been feeling more confident.

1:04A special meeting to vote on the leadership shakeup is coming soon, though no date is set yet. With 16 Tories, 16 in the coalition, plus independence in the mix, the outcome stays anyone's guess. This episode is proudly sponsored by our partner, a pillow that plays your podcast, music, or white noise privately, no ear buds required, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.