The leadership of Solihull Council is facing criticism after moves to replace two scrutiny board chairs who recently resigned from the Conservative Party and formed a new opposition group.
In May, Councillor Samantha Gethen, one of four councillors who left the Conservative group to join the new Solihull Independents, was elected chair of the Children’s Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board by committee members.
Shortly afterward, Coun Alan Feeney resigned from the Conservatives to join the Independents, having been appointed chairman of the Stronger Communities and Neighbourhood Services Scrutiny Board.
However, Solihull Council leader Coun Karen Grinsell has since tabled a motion seeking to remove both councillors from their scrutiny roles and replace them with Conservative appointees.
The move has drawn strong rebuke from Councillor Michael Gough, leader of the Solihull Independents, who described the action as “nothing short of a power grab.”
“These chairs were appointed by their committees to serve the public, not a political party,” said Coun Gough. “To remove them simply because they’ve chosen to sit as independents is deeply concerning and sets a dangerous precedent. Scrutiny should be independent and impartial, holding decision-makers to account regardless of party lines.”
The Solihull Independents have responded by tabling their own motion calling for the protection of scrutiny board independence, arguing that attempts to politicise these roles undermine democratic accountability.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Green Party opposition, Councillor Max McLoughlin, has also tabled a motion proposing changes to the council’s rules on removing its leader. Currently, the leader can only be ousted following a change in political control. His motion points out that neighbouring councils, including Birmingham, Coventry, and Wolverhampton, allow removal by a majority vote of councillors.
The full council meeting, where these motions will be debated, is scheduled for 5.30pm on Tuesday, July 8, at the Civic Suite. The meeting will be open to the public and streamed live on the council’s website.