New councillor group blames lack of “clarity” and “direction” for split

Cllrs Terry Jones and Sinclair D’Albuquerque have blamed “a lack of clarity, direction and a weakness in the leadership” of the local Conservative association for their decision to form a new breakaway group.

The pair announced on Friday they would step down from the Conservatives on Sefton Council and instead form the “Southport Councillor Group”.

Mike Prendergast, Leader of the Conservative Group on Sefton Council, said he did “not recognise the interpretation of events provided” by the councillors.

In a new statement announced this morning Cllrs Jones and D’Albuquerque said: “When we stood in our respective elections, we told our residents that we would be a voice for them on the council.  In our opinion, the recent leadership of both the local Conservative Association and the Conservative Councillor Group, being one and the same, has caused issues in recent years.

“Change was necessary but impossible.  Despite us raising our concerns to the previous leader (now deputy group leader), he was unwilling to consider the necessary changes.  The situation caused a division within the group.  Communication and organisation collapsed, and we failed to agree on many serious issues affecting residents.  A lack of clarity, direction and a weakness in the leadership forced us to realise that we had no other option than to leave the group.

“Following a last-minute plea to both of us from the new leader to stay with the councillor group, his attempts to resolve the situation were blocked and we were left with no choice but to leave.

“Now, as members of the Southport Councillor Group, we will be able to work with anyone to find the best outcomes for Southport residents and be that strong voice on the council, that the residents who elected us expect us to be.”

Adding to a statement issued on Friday, Councillor Prendergast said: “I am obviously very disappointed that Councillors Jones and D’Albuquerque have decided to not remain part of the Conservative Group on Sefton Council.

“Whilst I do not recognise the interpretation of events provided by Cllrs Jones & D’Albuquerque, I would like to thank them for their service and contribution and wish them both well for the future. I look forward to working with them.

“The Conservative Group on Sefton Council will continue to stand up for our residents and we have a lot of serious issues to address that impact the lives of those living in Sefton. I think the public will rightly expect that we focus on these in the months ahead. 

“We will continue with this work, working hard for our communities, and continue to hold Labour to account.”