Cllr Anna Waite has been removed from her position as Executive Councillor for Transport and Planning in today’s Cabinet reshuffle.
Southend Council leader Nigel Holdcroft announced the changes to the Cabinet today, which include creating a new cabinet position of Deputy Leader Portfolio.
Cllr Waite’s role in redevelopments around the town, such as the road widening scheme at Cuckoo Corner and the regeneration of Victoria Circus, have made her unpopular with some Southend groups.
Cllr Waite is now responsible for Social Care, Health and Housing. This is a swap with Cllr Mark Flewitt, who is now responsible for Transport and Planning.
Cllr Waite told Councilbust.com:
“The move is exciting. Social Care, Health and Housing is an immense department with lots of challenges, and I am pleased to take it on.
“I’m Sad that I’m leaving Transport and Planning. I was asked to turn it around and I think I’ve done that, but I’m excited to be moving on.
“I’ll still be seeing through some of the projects we’ve started, like City Beach.
“This move is in no way a response to any outside issues. There is a job of work to be done in social care, the leader thinks I can do it, so I’m happy to hand over to Mark and move forward.”
Last week, just two days before the local and general elections, Cllr Waite’s home was vandalised.
Unknown vandals wrote “VOTE LABOUR” across a wall outside her property. Local Labour party leaders condemned the graffitti, whilst Cllr Waite suspected that anti-development protestors were to blame.
She said “I do think this is the direct result of the untrue, exaggerated and often very personal ‘claims’ that some desperate groups have made recently.”
At the last full Council meeting, members of the protest group SKIPP held up proceedings for around 15 minutes with a protest in which they called for Cllr Waite and Cllr Holdcroft to resign.
SKIPP leader Mark Sharp told Councilbust.com “We hope that the Cllr Flewitt, the new portfolio holder for Transport and Planning, will show proper respect and appreciation for the borough’s mature trees, as well as the architectural treasures of Southend.”
Horah! At last. Good ridance. although alas her damage has already been done and is unreversable. Look forward to seeing her on the dole queue soon.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Councilbust. Councilbust said: Anna Waite no longer in Transport and Planning role http://bit.ly/bnsy7Q [...]
Heaven help the people of Southend, what ever department she goes to she causes chaos.