Reform councillor quits Darlaston regeneration board over transparency

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 02:31 · Archive

A Reform councillor has stepped down from the £20million Darlaston Pride in Place board, citing lack of transparency and democratic process.

Councillor Peter Burton, a Reform member for Darlaston South ward, has stepped down from the Pride in Place board, which oversees £20million in government regeneration funding awarded to the town over 10 years. He announced his resignation on 13 November, citing 'lack of openness, transparency, due diligence and democratic process'.

The board, chaired by Manjit Jhooty, includes representatives from education, health, police and housing, plus local businesses, residents and the local MP Pat McFadden. Its composition faced fierce backlash from councillors and locals at its first meeting, with criticism that it lacked sufficient local representation.

In his resignation statement, Burton said: 'Darlaston councillors were elected on the promise that we would ensure money meant for Darlaston would be spent in Darlaston with decisions made by real local people and I do not feel this is currently evident.' He said he had discussed his concerns with fellow ward councillors, residents, the portfolio holder and the board's chairman before making his decision.

Reform councillor quits Darlaston regeneration board over transparency — Image: Express & Star

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How it is being reported

‘Concerned’ councillor steps down from £20million Darlaston boardCouncillor Peter Burton, Reform member for the Darlaston South ward, announced the decision on Friday, November 13.Express & Star · 15 Nov, 02:00
‘Concerned’ councillor steps down from £20million Darlaston boardCouncillor Peter Burton stood shoulder-to-shoulder with protesters at the board’s first meeting in the town last yearBirminghamLive · 13 Nov, 16:21

In this story: Peter Burton · Darlaston · Manjit Jhooty · Pat McFadden · Reform

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