A COUNCIL leader has been forced to fend off accusations of hypocrisy after formally announcing that she is standing for the Tories in South Derbyshire at the General Election.
South Derbyshire District Council leader Heather Wheeler (pictured right) responded to the charge from the authority’s Labour opposition group leader Kevin Richards after revealing she would not stand down from her council role until the ballot was called.
Councillor Wheeler, who represents the Repton ward on the authority, told the latest full council meeting: “As soon as the next General Election is called, I shall be taking a leave of absence as leader of South Derbyshire District Council, and acting leader John Harrison will take up my role.”
Her statement prompted Councillor Richards to go on the attack, referring to criticisms of neighbouring North West Leicestershire’s Labour candidate, Ross Willmott, by his Tory opponent, Andrew Bridgen, who said Mr Willmott had taken ‘too long’ to stand down from his current position as leader of Leicester City Council.
Councillor Kevin Richards questioned whether Councillor Wheeler agreed with Mr Bridgen that Mr Wilmott should have stepped down immediately, prompting the Tory leader to answer ‘yes’.
Councillor Richards (pictured right) then said: “She said ‘yes’ she agreed with Andrew Bridgen, but Mr Bridgen criticised Mr Wilmott for taking so long to step down.
“However, Mrs Wheeler won’t step down as leader until the next General Election is called.
“She is using her position for political ambition, despite saying she is not in this for career politics.
It is just hypocrisy.” Councillor Wheeler hit back by saying it was not she who was hypocritical, but Mr Willmott.
She said: “When he announced he was standing down to run for MP, he said he would be taking paid leave.
“I have made it clear to my group and the directors that I will stand down immediately when the election is called and will not be taking special responsibility allowances.
“There is no hypocrisy. It is completely different as I live here and have a duty to my constituents.
Many other councillors and wouldbe MPs have to travel into the area.”