Liberal Democrats accuse Labour of ‘putting factional conflict before clear leadership’ for Cambridge residents

Cambridge Labour has been accused of putting factional conflict before clear leadership for residents after it replaced Anna Smith as leader.

The Liberal Democrat opposition says the decision by Labour to change its leadership just 10 days after the elections is disappointing.

Lib Dem leader Cllr Tim Bick (Market) said: “I’d like to thank Anna Smith for her time serving the city council as leader, but I have to say that it is disappointing to see the Labour Party resorting to factionalism straight after the local elections.

“Until 10 days ago Anna Smith was being promoted front and centre of Labour’s local election campaign. She even wrote in last week’s Cambridge Independent of her plans for her administration’s programme. But the plotters were apparently already at work.

“People who did vote for Labour just 10 days ago have a right to know why what they voted for is not what, or who they are getting.

“What Cambridge needs in these tough and uncertain times is clear direction and strong leadership. Instead it’s got from Labour faction-fighting and turmoil. My colleagues and I just ran a serious and honest election campaign and expanded our team.

“We listened to our communities and we intend to deliver on our promises. Labour needs to stop infighting and focus on delivering better services for our community.”