Pendle Council Leader Asjad Mahmood has managed to survive a no-confidence vote amidst a contentious dispute over the introduction of a taxi safety app. The vote, led by Liberal Democrat Councillor David Whipp, failed to gather enough support in an extraordinary full council meeting. Following the vote, the Liberal Democrats resigned from their shared leadership role in the council.
The Dispute Over the Taxi Safety App
The primary issue at hand is the proposed taxi safety app, which was intended to enhance safety checks and enforcement for taxi drivers. Councillor David Whipp argued:
"That decision by the Independent group and several Conservatives has put public lives at risk,"
He referred to a vote in December that stalled the app’s implementation, citing safety concerns.
Whipp also pointed out the resignation of Conservative Councillor Kieran McGladdery, who had raised concerns with the council, police, and Conservative Association. Whipp commented:
"Kieran McGladdery resigned over taxi matters, gave a damning verdict about the Conservatives, and has reported the issue to the council and police."
Lib Dem Councillor David Hartley emphasized the safety issue, saying:
"We want safety. Taxi drivers do a good job, but we must know vehicles are 100 percent safe."
Hartley also quoted McGladdery’s resignation, underlining:
"Personal relationships were more important than public safety."
However, Independent Councillor Mohammed Iqbal countered, stating:
"This meeting is not about taxi safety, but rather an attempt to remove the council leader."
Iqbal clarified that the taxi safety app had been suspended, not canceled, due to low driver sign-up numbers. He explained:
"Currently, only 30 of over 800 drivers have signed up. How can the taxi committee deal with 800 drivers who haven't signed up? It'll be impossible."
Political Tensions and Fiscal Concerns
Conservative Councillor Martyn Stone criticized the no-confidence motion, calling it:
"Purely political and blatant electioneering."
Stone defended the six-month suspension of the app, asserting that no councillor would vote against taxi safety checks. Conservative Nadeem Ahmed echoed these thoughts, adding:
"We need to focus on the budget and other pressing matters. The £1,000 cost of this extraordinary meeting could have been better spent elsewhere."
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