Tory big guns trained on Bristol's Labour Council!

Conservatives on Bristol City Council have unveiled their Shadow Cabinet line-up in the wake of last week's political dust-up over the Council leadership.

The 13-strong Tory Group, which holds the balance of power on the 'hung' Authority, voted last Tuesday against Labour remaining in office at the Annual Council Meeting. But, in a shock move, the 31-member Lib Dem Group announced that they would not seize control and would allow Labour's Helen Holland to remain as Leader of the Council.

Conservative leader Councillor Richard Eddy heads-up the top Tory team with overall responsibility for housing, the streetscene, parks, culture and leisure services.

Deputy leader Geoff Gollop remains the Conservatives' chief finance spokesman and chairman of the influential Resources Scrutiny Commission.

Veteran councillor and former Lord Mayor Peter Abraham will take on transport and lead the Conservatives' anti-congestion charging campaign.

Chief Whip Cllr John Goulandris assumes responsibility for education and employability, swopping places with Cllr Ashley Fox, now chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Management Committee, which acts as the central Council policy watchdog.

The team is completed by Adult Community Care spokesman Cllr David Morris and Health spokesman Cllr Lesley Alexander.

Cllr Eddy (Con, Bishopsworth) said: "The new Tory Shadow Cabinet contains a wealth of experience and talent.

Now that the Lib Dems have chosen to prop-up Labour, it falls to the Conservatives to provide the only real opposition to the current Administration.

Our new frontbench line-up will rigorously hold Labour to account and is determined to expose their shortcomings and inadequacies.

Unlike the Lib Dems, who have shown themselves enfeebled and unfit to run the city, residents can have confidence in the Conservatives to battle for Bristol's best interests."

Back to Local News Index 20 May 2008