Newark and Sherwood District Council leader Paul Peacock ‘getting on with the job’ as he defends the Labour-led administration following withdrawal of support from Liberal democrats and Green Party Group

A council leader has said he remains committed to serving the people of Newark and Sherwood and refutes allegations made against his party’s administration.

Yesterday, Newark and Sherwood District Council was faced with a major upheaval as both the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party Group formally withdrew their support from the Labour-led administration.

Five councillors — Emma Oldham and Matthew Spoors of the Green Party, and Liberal Democrats Keith Melton, Peter Harris, and Karen Roberts — withdrew support due to concerns over “democratic integrity, broken promises, intimidation, and environmental leadership”.

It was also claimed that the council had a “blinkered view” towards environmental issues, and that there had been an “erosion of trust” between councillors and residents due to recent decision making.

Ms Oldham resigned from her cabinet position as portfolio holder for climate and the environment — the role has now been taken up by Simon Forde, of Independents for Newark and District.

In a statement to the Advertiser, council leader Paul Peacock, said, “I refute all allegations made by Councillor Emma Oldham and Councillor Keith Melton in their joint press statement. I was completely and utterly shocked to read these.

“Making accusations of intimidation about our administration is not a picture I recognise, and I don’t believe other cross-party colleagues would either.

“I will be making a formal complaint about their press release through the official channels, which is what you should do if there is a genuine concern, rather than making a statement directly to the press.

“During her time as a portfolio holder all I’ve done is tried to support Councillor Oldham and Councillor Melton who were both given positions on cabinet to help them realise their ambition for our district — I’m so disappointed that our relationship has ended like this.

At a meeting of full council on Tuesday night (December 17), Mr Peacock publicly thanked Ms Oldham for her previous work on cabinet.

Addressing an accusation that the council had a “blinkered view” towards environmental issues, he said this was “fundamentally incorrect”.

“I created two, not just one, but two specific portfolios to address environmental and climate issues in Newark and Sherwood,” said Mr Peacock.

“Our Community Plan is underpinned by environmental actions, and we have made huge strides in this remit alongside balancing all other district council services and functions. We don’t have a blinkered view.”

He added: “I am not intending to take part in any kind of back and forth dialogue on this matter; I prefer to spend my time working for our residents, I want to get on with the business of doing the job.

“The most important thing here, is focusing on the residents that we serve.

“For those who know me, you’ll know that I am a sincere, collaborative, and professional person who puts others first, rather than my own ambitions.

“I care passionately about Newark and Sherwood and doing the very best by all councillors, officers and residents.”

The Labour Party currently lead a political coalition with the Independents for Newark and Sherwood — but no single party holds enough seats to gain overall control of the council.

The chief executive of Newark and Sherwood District Council, John Robinson, said, “Like many councils at the moment, Newark and Sherwood District Council does not have a single political group that is in control.

“This means that different political parties have to come together and find a consensus about priorities and work constructively for the benefit of local residents and local businesses.

“Not surprisingly, conflict between different political groups arises from time to time, but the vast majority of elected members work well together and are passionate and committed to the communities they serve.

“As was reported in a recent external assessment of the district council, “there is a great positive, supportive and welcoming culture” and the district council “is making a real and tangible difference on peoples’ lives.”

The political make up of the council is: 12 Conservative, 10 Labour, 6 Independent for Newark and District, 4 non-aligned Independent, 3 Liberal Democrat, 2 Green, 2 Newark and Sherwood District Independents.