Posted on the 3rd February 2025 in PHTM News

PENDLE COUNCIL LEADER SURVIVES NO CONFIDENCE VOTE AMID TAXI SAFETY APP DISPUTE

Pendle Council Leader Asjad Mahmood has survived a no-confidence vote brought by the Liberal Democrats, amidst a heated debate over the implementation of a taxi safety app. The Lib Dems subsequently resigned from the council's shared leadership.

The motion, brought by Lib Dem Councillor David Whipp, failed to garner enough support at an extraordinary full council meeting. While Independents, formerly of the Labour Party, voted against the motion, Conservatives abstained.

The dispute centres around the proposed taxi safety app, intended to improve safety checks and enforcement. Cllr Whipp, who was deputy leader prior to the resignations, expressed his group's pride in their contributions to the shared administration, but stated that the taxi safety issue was a "red line."

"That decision by the Independent group and several Conservatives has put public lives at risk," he argued, referencing a December vote that stalled the app's introduction.

He also highlighted the resignation of Conservative Kieran McGladdery over the issue, claiming Mr. McGladdery had raised concerns with the council, police, and Conservative Association.

“Kieran McGladdery resigned over taxi matters, gave a damning verdict about the Conservatives and, I understand, has reported the issue to the council and police,” Cllr Whipp stated.

Lib Dem Councillor David Hartley echoed these concerns, stating: "I've not heard one person say they don't support introducing the taxi app. We want safety. Taxi drivers do a good job but we must know vehicles are 100 per cent safe."

He also emphasised Mr McGladdery's resignation, quoting his complaint that "personal relationships were more important than public safety."

However, Independent Councillor Mohammed Iqbal countered that the meeting was "not about taxi safety," but rather an attempt to remove the council leader. He expressed disappointment with Cllr Whipp, citing their previously productive working relationship.

"We did not cancel the taxi safety app. We suspended its introduction," Cllr Iqbal clarified. He also pointed to low driver sign-up numbers as justification for the suspension, asking: “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."

Conservative Councillor Martyn Stone labelled the no-confidence motion as “purely political” and “blatant electioneering,” accusing Cllr Whipp of being a “doyen of disorder. A master of mayhem.”

He argued that the council had only suspended the app for six months, and that “no councillor would ever vote to overturn taxi safety checks.” Conservative Nadeem Ahmed echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of discussing other pressing issues, such as the budget and a recent audit report, and highlighting the £1,000 cost of the extraordinary meeting.


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