9 June 2020
The Unity Alliance retains control of Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council, following the failure of the Conservative Group's motion of no-confidence at Full Council tonight.
The vote on the no-confidence motion went down to the Chair's casting vote, which he dedicated to the late Councillor Colin Bungey:
You can watch the no-confidence debate and vote here on YouTube, as live-streamed to hundreds of viewers:
You can also watch Chris Rigby's speech against the motion.
Over 1,700 concerned local residents had signed a petition against the Conservatives' cynical move, and ward councillors reported brimming inboxes on the matter.
Chris Rigby wrote on Facebook after the meeting: "Super shattered, but mega stoked that the Unity Alliance defeated the vote of no confidence and remains as the administration of BCP."
Followers of the local Green Party on Facebook also had their say:
"So happy to see this - it is incredibly refreshing to see the leadership of the unity alliance and to feel truly represented. well done to all," wrote Emma.
Jacqui commented: "Wonderful news. Take heart everyone and keep doing your level best for the BCP community in the face of this national calamity."
Sara wrote: "The Chair’s casting vote was a really emotional moment, such a tense evening. Thank you Unity Alliance for offering us politics that is fair. The Conservatives should be ashamed of themselves."
