Lena Hogg the former Labour Party Group Leader is throwing her support behind the re-election of the Independent Mayor of Copeland, Mike Starkie.
Lena says “Mike has done a great job leading Copeland through an extremely challenging period and I was pleased to work with him in coalition.
“Without doubt Copeland Council is in much better shape than it was when he was elected.
“I worked very closely with Mike in his first two years and I can say with absolute certainty that not one of the many decisions made had a political slant or agenda.
“Every decision and every policy were taken were delivered with the best interests of our Copeland residents as the only consideration.
“It was regrettable that my party took a decision to go into opposition.
“We were and could have continued to be seen to be part of the ongoing improvement of the Borough, unfortunately the party went in the wrong direction at the behest of some members inside and outside the elected group of councillors who just could not accept the Mayoral system and not having total control and went into opposition at a time when the council were implementing the type of policies we should have been embracing.
“I have been Labour all my life and I am supporting Mike because he is the best person for the job and will deliver the right outcomes for all residents of Copeland irrespective of their political leanings.
During our often busy time working together it is fair to say we would not always agree and there were some lively debates between Mike, Conservative Leader Dave Moore and myself but none of them were political ideology and never once did I feel Mike favoured one party over another.
“I would certainly say that Mike and I share the same core values and I am pleased that Copeland Council has an effective Social Inclusion Policy to help the vulnerable and those in need.
“I will in my Town of Egremont be supporting the three Labour Party candidates Mike McVeigh, Sam Pollen and Tom Higgins who are all very good Ward councillors among the best in Copeland.
“For Elected Mayor I will be voting for Mike Starkie, he is dedicated to Copeland and works tirelessly to improve the borough. He is our best candidate.”
