STATEMENT BY CLLR HAZEL WATSON ON MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE

Cllr Hazel Watson said today:

"Today's vote has denied the residents of Surrey the fresh start that was so desperately needed. It does not solve the excessive secrecy within the Council, which has been the hallmarks of Cllr Hodge's leadership, nor does it repair the Council's damaged reputation with the people it was elected to serve. Instead it means the continuation of a secretive culture at County Hall which serves its own interests, and those of the Conservative Party, rather than those of Surrey residents.

"This decision means that Conservative Councillors have endorsed Cllr Hodge's 15% council tax strategy, which was totally and utterly rejected by the people of Surrey. I note that almost a fifth of the Conservative Group did not vote for the Leader or did not show up today - hardly a ringing endorsement. I therefore look forward to the County Council elections in May where residents can have the final say on this discredited administration"

Cllr Watson's speech can be found here:

https://surreylibdems.org.uk/en/document/hazel-watson-no-confidence-motion-speech