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A change in political control at Doncaster MBC could potentially make matters worse for the troubled council, local government insiders have claimed. Despite having an English Democrat mayor, Peter Davies, in overall control of the council, the majority of councillors have switched from no overall control to Labour in the local elections. The Labour Party is still reeling from the critical Audit Commission report, which claimed the council operated to try to frustrate anything the mayor and cabinet were trying to do. One local government insider speculated the change in political make up of the council would give the Labour group more confidence to fight against the mayor and the intervention process. ‘The group members believe they have been elected as fighters, and they think the only thing to do is to carry on fighting,' he said. However, another source close to Doncaster claimed it would make no difference to the failing authority, and current acting chief executive, Jo Miller, said: ‘I don't necessarily see that it would make a difference.' She claimed politicians from across the groups were all working to secure the future of the borough. Last month, the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) deferred a decision on the shape of intervention in Doncaster to the incoming government. But with central government still in disarray as The MJ went to press, the situation remains in limbo. A decision on intervention is expected in the next three weeks, but insiders believe not all services will be taken away from the council. Top of the list of priorities will be to sort out managerial leadership. Ms Miller is seconded from her post as deputy chief executive of the Local Government Association for two months. Her tenure ends at the end of the month, unless her role is extended further. She refused to be drawn on the position, but added: ‘Obviously, the sector will not leave Doncaster high and dry.'

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WHITEHALL

Doncaster result could 'make matters worse'

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