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Labour govt faces Tory council rejection

02/07/2008

Conservative councils are preparing to restrict their cooperation with the Labour government in the run-up to the next general election, a report claims.

The Guardian cites shadow communities and local government secretary Eric Pickles telling Tory council leaders at a meeting in Nottingham his plans to shun further cooperation with Labour.

Mr Pickles is quoted as saying Conservative councils should stand up to the "bullying and controlling government".

"Right across the land Labour has lost its mandate, it is unreasonable to Conservative councils to deliver for the government unless there is consensus," Mr Pickles said.

"We are not in the business of delivering 'Labour Lite'; local priorities now must take precedent."