The Lib Dem's District Council candidate in tomorrow's Dawlish SW by-election apperars to be no stranger to controversy. Much like Councillors in his new party, the Lib Dems, he seemed somewhat intolerant of scrutiny from the opposition.
Given unpopular housing development plans during his time as leader of Wirral Borough Council that faced a great deal of opposition, should residents be concerned about protecting the green belt between Dawlish and Holcombe and Teignmouth beyond?
Pat Hackett led a minority Labour administration in Wirral Council from May 2019 to September 2020, during which time there were challenges related to housing development and scrutiny functions. His leadership faced criticism for the council's handling of the Local Plan and the reduction of scrutiny committees.
Leadership Overview
Pat Hackett served as the Leader of Wirral Council from May 2019 to September 2020, leading a minority Labour administration. His tenure was marked by several challenges and criticisms, particularly regarding housing development and the council's scrutiny functions.
Key Issues Faced
Housing Development Challenges
- Local Plan Controversy: Hackett's leadership faced scrutiny over the council's Local Plan, which aimed to address housing needs. The plan was criticized for its previous proposals to release Green Belt land for development, which were later retracted in favor of a "brownfield-first" policy.
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Government Intervention: The council was under pressure from the government to meet housing targets, which led to disputes over the number of homes required in Wirral. This situation highlighted the council's struggle to balance local needs with governmental expectations.
Scrutiny Functions
- Reduction of Scrutiny Committees: During Hackett's leadership, the council voted to reduce the number of scrutiny committees from four to three. This decision faced opposition from other political parties and raised concerns about the effectiveness of oversight within the council.
The New Ferry explosion is a particularly concerning case regarding avoidance of scrutiny at Wirral Borough Council under Hackett;
https://www.newferryexplosion.com/post/wbc-do-not-hear-our-questio
Summary of Electoral Performance
Hackett's electoral history in Wirral Council includes:
| Year | Ward | Party | Votes | % of Votes | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | New Brighton | Labour | 2,606 | 51.2 | Elected |
| 1998 | New Brighton | Labour | 1,729 | 55.7 | Elected |
| 2002 | New Brighton | Labour | 1,692 | 47.1 | Elected |
| 2004 | New Brighton | Labour | 1,807 | 39.5 | Elected |
| 2008 | New Brighton | Labour | 1,572 | 37.4 | Not Elected |
| 2011 | New Brighton | Labour | 2,283 | 49.6 | Elected |
| 2015 | New Brighton | Labour | 3,822 | 52.5 | Elected |
| 2019 | New Brighton | Labour | 2,248 | 57.0 | Elected |
Hackett's leadership period was characterized by significant challenges that impacted the council's operations and public perception.
Please 