As predicted another Labour councillor has now resigned from the party. Former mayor and longstanding Rowley councillor Barbara Price is the latest to quit. Councillor Barbara Price, (husband Bob is also a councillor), was first elected in 1998 and has long enjoyed a reputation for hard work and commitment to the interests of the people of her ward. She will be a significant loss to the Labour party.
In an attempted damage limitation exercise, Sandwell council Labour leader, Eling reacted by predicting more departures and linking those with Cllr. Mahboob Hussain.
We understand that for many Labour councillors the problem is Eling himself, the dictatorial manner in which he conducts business and the arrogant conceit of the coterie surrounding him. Female councillors who have expressed any dissent have been particularly targeted by fist waving, finger jabbing Eling bully boys.
Some of the current Sandwell cabinet members lord it in post solely because they are Eling creatures. Running whelk stalls would place severe strains on their intellect. Others bring to the table only an ability in back stabbing, a track record of business failure or a proven inability to get or keep a job.
A hallmark of the Eling administration has been the spite and vindictiveness directed against anyone among Labour councillors who might challenge the “Great Leader”. Cllr. Frear, the first to quit Labour, has now revealed just how much time is spent in the Labour group in internal wrangles, to the neglect of the public, who councillors are elected to serve. Under cover of draining the swamp, vendettas have been pursued against opponents while Eling supporters have benefitted from cover ups.
Sandwell Labour councillors of probity and integrity who have an interest in public service are finding it increasingly difficult to remain part of an organisation increasingly dominated by self serving “in it for the money” idlers whose main interest is protecting their own positions by sucking up to Steve.
They have no doubt which is the "nasty party".