Good Governance requires strong opposition

12.00.00am GMT Fri 9th May 2008

Purbeck District Council's Liberal Democrat Group has declined an offer by Purbeck's two Independent members to join a 'rainbow alliance' of all groups lead by the Independents, following the District Council elections which saw the Conservatives lose overall control after 9 years; the Council is now 11 Conservative, 11 Liberal Democrats and 2 Independents.

Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr David Budd said "Such a cross party coalition was likely to lack strong united leadership and direction, it would be inherently unstable and unlikely to last. The loss of a clear opposition role to challenge the decisions of the Council and its executive risked the Council becoming complacent and out of touch with those it represents and was not in the best interest of the Council."

"Having gained seats from the Conservatives over the last two years the electorate has indicated that it wants to see a change, the Lib Dems will therefore be putting forward nominations for the main positions on the Council with a view of promoting our policies which found favour with a large section of the Purbeck electorate. It will be up to the Independents whether they vote to continue the present administration or for a change." Concluded Cllr Budd