Cornwall council leader fights for his political life: Live video (From Falmouth Packet)

Cornwall council leader fights for his political life: Live video

9:00am Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News

The leader of Cornwall Council, Alec Robertson, faces a fight to save his political life at a vote of no confidence this morning.

The extraordinary meeting was called following fallout over controversial plans to privatise a swathe of council services.

The row has seen his deputy leader, Jim Currie resign, saying: "I could not leave local government with billions of pounds of Cornish Taxpayers money at risk and on my conscience."

The proposals would see the running of services including benefit payments and libraries handed to a private company in a deal worth up to £300 million.

Cabinet members have insisted the deal offers to best future for Cornwall, and that it will save millions for the taxpayer and create new jobs for the Duchy.

However, opponents say the plans are being rushed through without consultation. Despite previously insisting the proposals were non-negotiable, in advance of the meeting, Mr Robertson appears to have changed his mind.

If Mr Robertson loses the vote, he will be immediately removed as council leader.

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Vote of no confidence in council leader

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