Labour's power sharing bid (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Labour's power sharing bid

11:53am Tuesday 13th May 2008 in

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THE Labour party in Blackburn with Darwen has called on coalition leaders in the borough to include them in running the council.

Coun Kate Hollern, the opposition Labour leader, has contacted all members of the council saying that because Labour is the biggest party in the borough it should have a role in running the authority.

The Conservative, Liberal Democrat and For Darwen partnership which runs Blackburn with Darwen Council continues this year following elections at the beginning of the month.

Labour has the most seats of any individual party but not enough for an overall majority.

Coun Hollern contacted all councillors and said: "The majority of people in the borough want us to work together for the good of the residents.

"Labour was also the largest party last year, but was excluded from government and that was not good for Blackburn with Darwen.

"I therefore invite you to join with me in creating a responsible government arrangement that would reflect the choice of the people of the borough and provide a stable democratic platform for the future.

"This would be a platform grounded on responsible policies upon which we could agree, not on ambition or personal gain.

"I invite you to meet with me as soon as possible to discuss how this might work."

Council leader Colin Rigby, Conservative, said that he has not even replied to Coun Hollern's message.

He said: "We never had this offer from the Labour party when we were in opposition and there will be no offer to them now. That is it. End of story."