Nuneaton and Bedworth Council leader removed over election delay

Simon GilbertPolitical reporter, Coventry and Warwickshire

Chris Watkins lost a vote of no confidence on Wednesday evening

BBC Councillor Watkins looks at the camera. He is wearing a red T-shirt and has a shaved head. — Chris Watkins lost a vote of no confidence on Wednesday evening

He argued that would not be “a prudent use of resources”, saying money could instead be used to help prepare for the abolition of Warwickshire’s councils, which are set to be replaced with a new single tier authority by 2028.

Labour’s Steve Hey has been installed as the new leader of the council

Labour councillor Steve Hey in the council chamber. He is wearing a zip up jumper with a shirt underneath and wears glasses. — Labour’s Steve Hey has been installed as the new leader of the council

Despite the blow of having their leader ousted, Labour retained leadership of the council, with Watkins’ deputy Steve Hey voted in at the end of the two-and-a-half hour meeting.

He was installed with the help of the council’s two Green Party councillors, ahead of Conservative challenger Wilson. Their support came after Hey signalled was he in favour of local elections taking place as planned.

Asked by the BBC whether he would categorically reverse the position of his Labour predecessor by telling the government elections should take place, Hey said: “In Nuneaton and Bedworth, yes. And bring it on.”

Conservative opposition leader Kris Wilson was unsuccessful in his attempt to replace Labour leader Chris Watkins

Kris Wilson stands in the council chamber and addresses the meeting. He is wearing a dark suit jacket and light blue jumper and shirt. — Conservative opposition leader Kris Wilson was unsuccessful in his attempt to replace Labour leader Chris Watkins

With half of the borough’s seats up for grabs, Labour had been accused of “running scared” by the Reform leader of Warwickshire County Council, George Finch.

Responding to that claim, Hey suggested Finch had “too much time on his hands”.

He said: “Do I look like I’m running scared? I think the elections are going to be very difficult and I think the problem is that local elections are run on national lines.”