Liberal Democrats React to New Southwark Labour Leader...Again

Southwark Liberal Democrats have issued a statement in reaction to Southwark Labour’s chaotic leadership election, as it is understood that Cllr Sarah King has won the re-run leadership election 27 to 25, overturning Cllr James McAsh’s initial election at Labour’s group meeting last week.  

Southwark News had reported that the election was forced to be re-run by the regional London Labour party, following a complaint by Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle, who alleged that the use of proxy voting in the initial election ran contrary to Labour Party rules.

Southwark Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said: 

“We congratulate Cllr King on her new role, and recognise that as Leader of the Council it’s in everyone’s interest that she succeeds. 

However, Labour’s pointless and chaotic charade has only shown what residents already know – that they’re not fit to lead a students’ union, let alone a council.  

To have had three leaders in the space of a week speaks volumes about the competence and seriousness of the Labour party. Even Liz Truss lasted longer than Cllr McAsh. This is a group that much like the national Labour party, are pulling in totally different directions – and its residents who will suffer.  

Cllr King is a long-standing director and co-owner of Connect Public Affairs, a lobbying firm for big developers including here in Southwark. As Leader of the Council, she will hold significant influence over housing, planning and regeneration decisions in Southwark.  

It is essential that residents can have full confidence that public decisions are made in the public interest. For too long Southwark has failed to stand up to big developers and as a result residents are being priced out.

Whilst Labour tear each other apart, Liberal Democrats are single minded in standing up for Southwark’s residents, fighting for homes local people can afford, cleaner and safer streets, and tackling the cost of living.”