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Former Labour Portfolio Holder switches to Tories and admits transformation of education was passionately driven Gove

by Steve Beasant on 26 July, 2014

The Grimsby Telgraph reports today that the Former Labour Porfolio for Children’s Services Ian Lindley has made a shock switch to the Conservatives after he was not selected by the party to contest the local election in June.

The newspaper reports:

Although he said that had been a factor in his decision, he also cited a lack of unity and professionalism among Labour councillors and an unwillingness to address local issues in full council meetings as reasons for quitting the party.

Mr Lindley, who represented the West Marsh ward between 2010 and May this year, said he also strongly opposed Labour’s decision to choose its parliamentary candidate for Great Grimsby from an all-women shortlist.

He added that in the two wards he had wished to contest at the last election, he had been overlooked in favour of a female candidate.

Mr Lindley, who is expected to stand as a candidate in next year’s local election, said he had enjoyed a good working relationship with all Conservative councillors during his recent term of office.

He added that he would be able to vote more freely, in contrast to Labour, where he said the whip was frequently applied.

He also expressed his overwhelming support for a new Local Plan for North East Lincolnshire, which he claimed did not appear to be a Labour priority.

Mr Lindley said: “I believe I still have a huge amount to offer in local politics, and I firmly believe that my future lies firmly with the Conservatives.

“As a former cabinet member and portfolio holder for children’s services I remain passionate about services for our children and young people.

“I have gained significant experience in knowledge and legislation around safeguarding and looked-after children, as well as a good understanding on the delivery of youth services.

“This knowledge will prove invaluable when holding other political parties to account who may support financial cuts which could undermine theses services. I continue to have a huge interest in our education system, where I am currently a governor at two primary schools and a college of further and higher education.

“I believe my input locally in our education services will continue to support the transformation of our education services, which has been driven so passionately by Michael Gove.”

The deicions appears to be at odds with some of Councillor Lindley’s earlier believes on education policy – particularly the Pupil Premium.

At a Full Council Meeting held on 15th December, 2011 – I asked the Councillor Lindley:

“At the meeting (Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel held 3rd December) the Panel queried the percentages of total take up and the free school meals element. Officers agreed to respond to this outside the meeting. Can the Portfolio Holder, therefore tell me what action the officers are taking to increase Free School Meals?”

Councillor Ian Lindley the Portfolio Holder for People Services (Labour) replied by saying: “Officers are presently working on this and I will write to Councillor Beasant with a reply.”

In response, I rose again, “Madam Mayor, it’s now several weeks since the meeting and bearing in mind that this week we have had the announcement to widen the Pupil Premium – it’s is now imperative that we increase Free School Meal take-up; OR does the Portfolio Holder just agree with Manchester City Council, Labour Councillors who say that the Pupil Premium is a SHAM?”

Councillor Ian Lindley in response replied: “I suppose I would have to agree with Manchester City Council, Labour Councillors.”

Perhaps he believes that the most popular of the Coalition’s policies – the Pupil is just sham and instead is a secret admirer of ALL Grove’s right-wing education policies that are breaking up our treasured state run education system.

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