City Labour group bruised after vote loss and defections

Bin workers’ union piles pressure on after series of setbacks

- BY ALEXANDER BROCK Local Democracy Reporter

THE union at the centre of the bins strike dispute has claimed that Birmingham Labour has ‘lost its grip on power’ following a tense vote.

The city council's ruling Labour group dramatically lost a vote at the most recent full council meeting following recent resignations, a defection and absences.

A number of councillors who have quit the party have expressed deep concern over the council's direction, with a financial crisis and bins strike casting a shadow over the city in recent months.

Labour have also recently lost a seat in the Moseley ward to the Liberal Democrats following a by-election where the strike became a major talking point.

The vote, concerning council representation on a West Midlands Combined Authority scrutiny committee, was initially a tie between Labour and opposition councillors.

The Conservatives were arguing that “current proportionate representation” should be retained.