26 November 2007

The councillor behind the plans to close high schools in Stoke-on-Trent has suffered a vote of no confidence - from members of his own party.

Labour activists gave the embarrassing rebuke to councillor Ian McLaughlan, portfolio holder for children and young people, at a meeting of the Stoke-on-Trent Central constituency.

They also passed a motion agreed to remove party support from anyone backing the proposals.

If that is officially adopted by Labour's Local Government Committee at its next meeting, it could mean three of the party's most prominent councillors would be unable to stand as Labour candidates at next year's elections.

Theoretically, Mike Tappin, group leader and portfolio holder for resources, Mervin Smith, portfolio holder for regeneration, and Mr McLaughlan himself would be unable to stand because they are members of the cabinet which is pushing for the controversial schools restructure.

Insiders believe this is unlikely to happen, however, particularly as regional Labour Party directors have stepped in to the row, branding the vote of no confidence "unconstitutional and therefore invalid".

So the Labour Party itself is not listening to its members.

No wonder that Serco does not feel the need to listen to the electorate!


The alternative proposals put forward by MPs and Headteachers, although they are not yet finalised, look to rebuild and refurbish the city's schools. For the Northern Area of the city, this means:

• Refurbishing Brownhills Maths and Computing College, in Tunstall. It would also benefit from a sports strategy to enhance facilities.
• Rebuilding James Brindley Science College, in Chell, on its current site. It would have 900 places.
• Refurbishing St Margaret Ward Catholic School and Arts College, in Tunstall.
• Refurbishing Haywood High, in Burslem. A joint sports village strategy would also be developed, encompassing Dimensions and land at the rear of Port Vale, to improve sports provision for pupils.

These proposals, in essence, fully support the message given by the community to the Elected Mayor and Council Manager at the meeting on 15th November.
 

It looks as though proper consultation, focusing on each school, will be carried out on these proposals to ask parents what they think, with public meetings held to canvass support.