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Leader survives confidence vote
THE veteran leader of Southampton City Council last night survived a shock vote of no confidence in a row over one of the biggest decisions taken in the history of the city's education system.
Councillor Alec Samuels faced an exit from office just 63 days after his party was voted into power by a rogue Liberal Democrat councillor, who again came to his aid.
The Tories held on to power by a total of 20 votes to Labour's 17, with most Liberal Democrats abstaining.
Labour leader Councillor June Bridle brought forward a motion to remove Cllr Samuels to save two new secondary schools from an "appalling" decision to turn them into academies run by a Christian education organisation.
But a vote of no confidence was carried against the Cabinet member for education, Councillor Peter Baillie.
Last night Tories remained defiant and insisted he would remain as education boss.
Less than two months after coming to power Cllr Baillie recommended the closure of Millbrook Community School, Oaklands Community School, Grove Park business and Enterprise College and Woolston School Language College.
He selected Oasis Community Learning to run two replacement Academies over a rival bid by the Southampton Education Trust, a consortium of the city's universities, leading businesses, and higher education colleges.
It came as a shock to many teachers, parents, governors, college principals and opposition councillors, who supported the bid.
Proposing no confidence in Cllr Baillie, former Lib Dem council leader Councillor Adrian Vinson said The Tory had made the worst decision in the history of the unitary authority, which was formed ten years ago.
He said it meant creating isolated centres of excellence at the expense of other schools.
Cllr Vinson said it was throwing away a unique opportunity to choose a bid made up of local institutions with education expertise and business clout that fitted Southampton like a glove.
He accused Cllr Baillie of lacking a grasp of the city's education system and neglecting its long-term interests.
Cllr Samuels insisted Cllr Baillie made the right decision.
12:00pm Thursday 19th July 2007
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CommentPosted by: Neil Moore, Sourhampton on 12:43pm Thu 19 Jul 07
I'm relieved that the vote of no confidence against the leader over the issue of the academies decision was defeated at last night's meeting.
I cannot understand how the decion to appoint Oasis could be described as "appalling". It seems to me that politics is getting in the way of our children's best interests.
Last night's decision reassures me that democracy and common sense prevail.
I'm relieved that the vote of no confidence against the leader over the issue of the academies decision was defeated at last night's meeting.
I cannot understand how the decion to appoint Oasis could be described as "appalling". It seems to me that politics is getting in the way of our children's best interests.
Last night's decision reassures me that democracy and common sense prevail.
Posted by: bobby, Southampton on 2:32pm Thu 19 Jul 07
I bet if the schools were going to be run by a Muslim organisation Cllr Bridle would be all for it. Typical of both local and national Labour people to put forward all others before anything ENGLISH.
I bet if the schools were going to be run by a Muslim organisation Cllr Bridle would be all for it. Typical of both local and national Labour people to put forward all others before anything ENGLISH.
Posted by: Teacher, Southampton on 2:48pm Thu 19 Jul 07
[quote][bold]bobby[/bold] wrote:
I bet if the schools were going to be run by a Muslim organisation Cllr Bridle would be all for it. Typical of both local and national Labour people to put forward all others before anything ENGLISH.[/quote] You're a very silly bobby. Now go back to school.
bobby wrote:
I bet if the schools were going to be run by a Muslim organisation Cllr Bridle would be all for it. Typical of both local and national Labour people to put forward all others before anything ENGLISH.
You're a very silly bobby. Now go back to school.
Posted by: Gladstone, Southampton on 2:50pm Thu 19 Jul 07
[quote][bold]Neil Moore[/bold] wrote:
I'm relieved that the vote of no confidence against the leader over the issue of the academies decision was defeated at last night's meeting. I cannot understand how the decion to appoint Oasis could be described as "appalling". It seems to me that politics is getting in the way of our children's best interests. Last night's decision reassures me that democracy and common sense prevail.[/quote] That rather depends on your idea of democracy. If 29 councillors vote against the schools decision and only 18 vote in favour, but the decision goes ahead anyway, I'm not sure what sort of democracy you are describing.
Neil Moore wrote:
I'm relieved that the vote of no confidence against the leader over the issue of the academies decision was defeated at last night's meeting. I cannot understand how the decion to appoint Oasis could be described as "appalling". It seems to me that politics is getting in the way of our children's best interests. Last night's decision reassures me that democracy and common sense prevail.
That rather depends on your idea of democracy. If 29 councillors vote against the schools decision and only 18 vote in favour, but the decision goes ahead anyway, I'm not sure what sort of democracy you are describing.
Posted by: Keith Oftergrass on 2:59pm Thu 19 Jul 07
Having been a painful witness to the workings of the Planning Committee served by both Councillors Bridle and Samuels I'm not surprised that both are making this into such a farce.
Having been a painful witness to the workings of the Planning Committee served by both Councillors Bridle and Samuels I'm not surprised that both are making this into such a farce.
Posted by: Roger, Southampton on 3:26pm Thu 19 Jul 07
I am appalled by the politiking that has gone on here and am ashamed to be from the City. The 'opposition' parties seem to have forgotten that the teachers all said they wanted to be able to go into the Summer with certainty about their futures and having had a week or two to get to know the new promoters of the schools. Now they will be denied that because the Council vote last night is to be followed by a Scrutiny Panel today which could attempt to delay things further. Have our Councillors forgotten the children? Stop toying with the future of our kids and let's move on!
I am appalled by the politiking that has gone on here and am ashamed to be from the City. The 'opposition' parties seem to have forgotten that the teachers all said they wanted to be able to go into the Summer with certainty about their futures and having had a week or two to get to know the new promoters of the schools. Now they will be denied that because the Council vote last night is to be followed by a Scrutiny Panel today which could attempt to delay things further. Have our Councillors forgotten the children? Stop toying with the future of our kids and let's move on!
Posted by: Antony on 3:39pm Thu 19 Jul 07
[quote][bold]bobby[/bold] wrote:
I bet if the schools were going to be run by a Muslim organisation Cllr Bridle would be all for it. Typical of both local and national Labour people to put forward all others before anything ENGLISH.[/quote] bobby,
Insightful, cogent, helpful, and a thoroughly accurate analysis of the situation. All words I would not use to describe your pea-brained response to an important local issue. Plank.
bobby wrote:
I bet if the schools were going to be run by a Muslim organisation Cllr Bridle would be all for it. Typical of both local and national Labour people to put forward all others before anything ENGLISH.
bobby,
Insightful, cogent, helpful, and a thoroughly accurate analysis of the situation. All words I would not use to describe your pea-brained response to an important local issue. Plank.
Posted by: Adrian Smith, Mayfair on 5:44pm Thu 19 Jul 07
"Labour leader Councillor June Bridle brought forward a motion to remove Cllr Samuels"
This motion failed. Isn't Bridle offering to resign then? That's the done thing isn't it?
"Labour leader Councillor June Bridle brought forward a motion to remove Cllr Samuels"
This motion failed. Isn't Bridle offering to resign then? That's the done thing isn't it?
Posted by: Eddie, Sholing on 10:30pm Thu 19 Jul 07
Bridle doesn't have the dignity to resign. Waaaahh I want to be Leader Waaaaahhhhh. Pathetic. Give it up Bridle, no one wants you.
Bridle doesn't have the dignity to resign. Waaaahh I want to be Leader Waaaaahhhhh. Pathetic. Give it up Bridle, no one wants you.
Posted by: Clare, Sholing on 11:42pm Thu 19 Jul 07
[quote][bold]Eddie[/bold] wrote:
Bridle doesn't have the dignity to resign. Waaaahh I want to be Leader Waaaaahhhhh. Pathetic. Give it up Bridle, no one wants you.[/quote] How pathetic is that comment! Dignity is fighting for what you believe in, fighting for your local community as Cllr Bridle does day in and day out. Dignity is not making pathetic uneducated comments like that. You are obviously either new to sholing or got your head up your **** or you would know all the good she does in Sholing and around the city.
Eddie wrote:
Bridle doesn't have the dignity to resign. Waaaahh I want to be Leader Waaaaahhhhh. Pathetic. Give it up Bridle, no one wants you.
How pathetic is that comment! Dignity is fighting for what you believe in, fighting for your local community as Cllr Bridle does day in and day out. Dignity is not making pathetic uneducated comments like that. You are obviously either new to sholing or got your head up your **** or you would know all the good she does in Sholing and around the city.
Posted by: Red Rooster, Sholing on 11:43pm Thu 19 Jul 07
[quote][bold]Roger[/bold] wrote:
I am appalled by the politiking that has gone on here and am ashamed to be from the City. The 'opposition' parties seem to have forgotten that the teachers all said they wanted to be able to go into the Summer with certainty about their futures and having had a week or two to get to know the new promoters of the schools. Now they will be denied that because the Council vote last night is to be followed by a Scrutiny Panel today which could attempt to delay things further. Have our Councillors forgotten the children? Stop toying with the future of our kids and let's move on![/quote] Wow. Criticising LABOUR councillors for not listening to teachers. That takes balls.
Is it worth reminding you that every school bar one, not to mention the vast majority of parents, backed the SET bid and were ignored by the Tory Cabinet? Did you make posts then about how appalling it was that teacher's views were being ignored?
I agree that we do have to make sure the new schools succeed, but it was the totally unilateral way the Tory Cabinet took this decision that has led to this farce. You can't expect to go against the wishes of the majority of voters, parents and teachers in the city and not expect to take some flak for it.
Roger wrote:
I am appalled by the politiking that has gone on here and am ashamed to be from the City. The 'opposition' parties seem to have forgotten that the teachers all said they wanted to be able to go into the Summer with certainty about their futures and having had a week or two to get to know the new promoters of the schools. Now they will be denied that because the Council vote last night is to be followed by a Scrutiny Panel today which could attempt to delay things further. Have our Councillors forgotten the children? Stop toying with the future of our kids and let's move on!
Wow. Criticising LABOUR councillors for not listening to teachers. That takes balls.
Is it worth reminding you that every school bar one, not to mention the vast majority of parents, backed the SET bid and were ignored by the Tory Cabinet? Did you make posts then about how appalling it was that teacher's views were being ignored?
I agree that we do have to make sure the new schools succeed, but it was the totally unilateral way the Tory Cabinet took this decision that has led to this farce. You can't expect to go against the wishes of the majority of voters, parents and teachers in the city and not expect to take some flak for it.
Posted by: Clare, Sholing on 11:45pm Thu 19 Jul 07
[quote][bold]Adrian Smith[/bold] wrote:
"Labour leader Councillor June Bridle brought forward a motion to remove Cllr Samuels" This motion failed. Isn't Bridle offering to resign then? That's the done thing isn't it?[/quote] Why should she resign? I dont see that she was wrong in challenging Cllr Samuels or Cllr Bailie. Why should anyone resign just for making a stand and asking for some accountability.
Adrian Smith wrote:
"Labour leader Councillor June Bridle brought forward a motion to remove Cllr Samuels" This motion failed. Isn't Bridle offering to resign then? That's the done thing isn't it?
Why should she resign? I dont see that she was wrong in challenging Cllr Samuels or Cllr Bailie. Why should anyone resign just for making a stand and asking for some accountability.
Posted by: Democratic right on 7:28am Fri 20 Jul 07
I'm not strongly in favour of any of these politicians, but it really irritates me to see them playing silly power games rather than getting on with running the council. The decision making process around schools was started along time before Councillor Baillie and whoever else was involved came along.
Anyone voting to keep the status quo in our city's mediocre schools needs kicking out, not someone who is willing to give a viable alternative a go.
The people of Southampton voted this council in a few months ago, and they should all get on with running it rather than squabbling like little children. I'm not interested in that and as a council tax payer I don't want to pay for them.
I'm not strongly in favour of any of these politicians, but it really irritates me to see them playing silly power games rather than getting on with running the council. The decision making process around schools was started along time before Councillor Baillie and whoever else was involved came along.
Anyone voting to keep the status quo in our city's mediocre schools needs kicking out, not someone who is willing to give a viable alternative a go.
The people of Southampton voted this council in a few months ago, and they should all get on with running it rather than squabbling like little children. I'm not interested in that and as a council tax payer I don't want to pay for them.
Posted by: Roger, Southampton on 8:34am Fri 20 Jul 07
[quote]You can't expect to go against the wishes of the majority of voters, parents and teachers in the city and not expect to take some flak for it.[/quote]
Can I remind you that it was not the majority. Only about 150 parents, teachers etc responded to the consultation! The decision was taken, as I understand it, because on a technical appraisal by Council Officers (NOT Councillors) the Oasis bid was seen to offer increased choice, innovation and new opportunities for our children.
You can't expect to go against the wishes of the majority of voters, parents and teachers in the city and not expect to take some flak for it.
Can I remind you that it was not the majority. Only about 150 parents, teachers etc responded to the consultation! The decision was taken, as I understand it, because on a technical appraisal by Council Officers (NOT Councillors) the Oasis bid was seen to offer increased choice, innovation and new opportunities for our children.
Posted by: ear ear on 9:45am Fri 20 Jul 07
[quote]Can I remind you that it was not the majority. Only about 150 parents, teachers etc responded to the consultation! The decision was taken, as I understand it, because on a technical appraisal by Council Officers (NOT Councillors) the Oasis bid was seen to offer increased choice, innovation and new opportunities for our children.[/quote]
Exactly, and this is how our country should be administered: with subject matter experts and local administrators working together to find the best solution and recommending that to the politicians. This is how the civil service is supposed to work, and when its done the other way around, we end up with the country run for political purposes only. Not to say that mistakes don't get made.
Can I remind you that it was not the majority. Only about 150 parents, teachers etc responded to the consultation! The decision was taken, as I understand it, because on a technical appraisal by Council Officers (NOT Councillors) the Oasis bid was seen to offer increased choice, innovation and new opportunities for our children.
Exactly, and this is how our country should be administered: with subject matter experts and local administrators working together to find the best solution and recommending that to the politicians. This is how the civil service is supposed to work, and when its done the other way around, we end up with the country run for political purposes only. Not to say that mistakes don't get made.
Posted by: Anne-Marie, Southampton on 2:59pm Fri 20 Jul 07
Our son will be attending Grove Park from September and we are very happy with the Oasis bid.We are however sick and tired of the labour party playing sulky power games.
Our son will be attending Grove Park from September and we are very happy with the Oasis bid.We are however sick and tired of the labour party playing sulky power games.
Posted by: Mary Hinge, southampton on 3:40pm Sat 21 Jul 07
I've no confidenec in any of them! The Lib dem berks like 'milton' etc started all this, the lapdog labour sit on the outskirts ageeing with them waiting for power! and the conservitives gain power by default and now don't know what to do with it!
I've no confidenec in any of them! The Lib dem berks like 'milton' etc started all this, the lapdog labour sit on the outskirts ageeing with them waiting for power! and the conservitives gain power by default and now don't know what to do with it!
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