£1,000 of taxpayer cash spent on Labour Council Leader’s resignation party

A freedom of information request has revealed that taxpayers coughed up £1,088.52 for former Southwark Council Leader Cllr Keiron Williams’ resignation party, held in July. 

Cllr Williams’ resignation came after months of scandals dogged his time in office, with calls to resign from residents and the opposition Liberal Democrat group.  

Reports into three “horrifying” Major Works scandals, which he was responsible for both as Housing Cabinet Member and Leader, came to the housing scrutiny committee just last week.  

His tenure was also marked by the Regulator of Social Housing’s findings of “serious failings” in the housing department, prompting the Liberal Democrats to call a vote of no confidence in his leadership.  

The contest to elect his replacement also hit national headlines after the initial result – which saw left-winger Cllr James McAsh win – was overturned by Labour Party HQ and MP Neil Coyle. The re-run election, held online, was then held on the very same evening that the £1,000 knees-up was held at the taxpayers expense.  

The eventual winner, Cllr Sarah King, has had a bumpy start – with her formal election as leader marked by 3 rebellions from the Labour benches and triggered the resignation of the local Labour Chair. She also started her leadership by backing the Labour Government’s disastrous welfare cuts, and being forced to apologise once again for the major works scandals.   

Cllr King has also drawn criticism from the opposition group for her links to Connect Public Affairs, a lobbying firm for developers. Connect’s clients include Berkeley Homes who have led contentious local projects such as Borough Triangle and the Aylesham Redevelopment, both of which have been slammed for their low provision of affordable housing.  

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Victor Chamberlain said:  

“During a cost-of-living crisis, it’s more important than ever that the council uses taxpayer cash wisely and carefully. It’s frankly an insult to the residents who have been hit by the various housing scandals under Cllr Williams’ leadership to spend their money on a big bash to celebrate his tenure.  

Our Labour council whacks up council tax every year to the maximum they’re allowed to under law – and asks us to trust them that it’s to spend on vital services. How can residents trust them when this is what they spend their hard-earned money on? 

With the council looking at more than a £70 million black hole over the next few years, it’s frivolous spending like this that the council absolutely cannot be allowing to be taking place.”