“Many opportunities ahead”, Says Labour Group Leader in Response to Lib Dems

Responding to a statement by Lib Dem Group Leader at Lichfield District Council, the Leader of the largest Opposition Labour Group Cllr Sue Woodward said:

“I think Cllr Ray has proved my point for me.

Let me explain this really clearly and simply to him and to others accusing me and my Labour Group of missing an opportunity to seize control, of staying on the side-lines or of some sort of moral cowardice.

The electorate in Lichfield District have voted for change, the sort of change I‘ve longed for in the 24 years that Labour has been in opposition here. No longer do the Conservatives have a majority of 21 as they did at the last election; they have no overall majority at all. This opens up many opportunities ahead for other voices to be heard especially the voices of residents who have not been listened to in the past.

However, the reality is that Lichfield District electors, in spite of what a Conservative Government have thrown at them, still voted for more Conservatives councillors than Labour or Lib Dem councillors: 23 Conservatives, 17 Labour and 7 Lib Dems. I may not like it, I certainly wish it had been different but that is the reality.

If we had gone into some sort of pact, that would have given a majority of one for a Labour/Lib Dem administration. That would mean that every single Labour and Lib Dem councillor would have to attend every single meeting of the Council to take decisions forward – and electors should take a look at the attendance records up to now of some of the key people in this debate.

That would lead to instability and uncertainty and a lack of progress on subjects which electors have been crying out for – leisure facilities in Lichfield, the promised cinema, action on the pile of rubble that is Friarsgate but also on real investment in my town of Burntwood, in Fazeley and in the rural villages which all appear to be invisible to the Lib Dem Group.

I firmly believe that there are many more opportunities now for all voices to be heard and that is what I am hearing from the current Conservative leadership. If Labour and the Lib Dems don’t like a proposal from the Conservatives or they don’t come up with a budget that spreads the Council’s resources more fairly, then we can vote against it. At last, it gives a look-in to long-neglected areas and issues such as climate change.

This is a time for cool, calm heads and a focus on residents’ priorities rather than what might seem on the surface to be quick and easy fixes. Cllr Ray and his colleagues need to compose themselves, think this through in a far less heated way and remember that Labour will keep this constantly under review, not just in a knee-jerk less than a week after the elections but for the four years ahead.”

Focus on best outcomes for LDC residents, not political stirch-ups – Opposition Leader on Talk of Pacts

Responding to questions about whether a pact with the Lib Dem to take over control of Lichfield District Council was being considered , the newly-elected Leader of the Labour Group Cllr Sue Woodward has said

“First of all, I want to say many thanks to the electors of Chase Terrace who put their faith in me and Steve to represent them for the next four years. We will not let you down.

Having been elected as my Labour Group’s Leader on Saturday, I made it clear to my colleagues that I want us all to focus on getting the best outcomes for our residents and not political stitch-ups behind closed doors. People have had enough of ding-dong politics and I want to cooperate with the majority Group at the Council as far as possible, as well as the Lib Dems, in focusing all our efforts on making the best possible decisions on behalf of our communities. It’s time for grown-up politics now.

If anyone thinks that I’ve gone soft on the Conservatives, they can think again. I will challenge them every step of the way. Over the 24 years that they have been in control, they have made many half-promises about supporting some of Labour’s local priorities which were not honoured. That cannot and will not be the case anymore – they will have to get support from outside their group at council meetings.”

Outgoing Opposition Leader, Cllr Steve Norman, said:

“Sue has one of the sharpest political brains and is the most hardworking, caring and co-operative councillor I know. ‘So what attracted you to the hardworking Labour activist Sue Woodward?’ Mrs Merton could have asked me in 1994.

If we want a ‘Better Council’ then we should see if this approach works for 12 months, I hope and believe it will, but it will take all members of all three parties to play their part.”

Burntwood Town Councillor and Blue Badge holder Cllr Kathy Coe Speaks Out

Burntwood Town Councillor and Blue Badge holder, Cllr Kathy Coe, has spoken out on behalf of other Blue Badge holders about the negative impacts of Lichfield District Counci’s implementation of the pedestrianisation of Lichfield City centre.

She said:
“Surely it is not beyond the understanding and capabilities of the District Council to protect the disabled parking spaces so that those people who are recognised as having mobility difficulties can access the city centre, can go shopping, meet up with friends for a coffee or a meal. Blue Badge holders enjoy going out and socialising too! Trying to find a suitable parking space is a nightmare in Lichfield and I think it damages the local economy too as people become more reluctant to even try to park in a place that meets their needs.”

Cllr Coe, herself a wheelchair user, was moved to speak out about the human impact of the loss of Blue Badge parking when she received the following from a Burntwood Resident:

“I am 71 years old and have MS.I am able to walk but have to have my carer with me for support as I have balance and fatigue problems and she has to drive me as I had my licence revoked due to my illness.I was very angry to hear the council were thinking of suspending blue badge parking in the centre.Yes,there are car parks with some disabled parking,but not many,which means extra walking.The multi story car park has no lift,sloping floors and very tight parking spaces.Not suitable for the needs of some disabled drivers and people with wheel chairs.We visit Lichfield most weeks and contribute to the economic side of the city by shopping there.The local banks have closed,so Lichfield is the nearest.There are also several health and medical services in the centre.

A high percentage of the centre is already pedestrianised ,so I feel strongly that the route for disabled drivers to park and pass through is not a lot to ask.”

Cllr Coe added:
“This person completely echoes my own feelings about this but, as a councillor, I have a responsibility to speak up for the many disabled drivers and Blue Badge holders in a similar position. Eighteen

months doesn’t sound so much like a trial period to me but a backdoor way of making it permanent. It will certainly be a trial for those of us who will effectively be shut out of the city centre for a year and a half.”

Chase Terrace ward proud to be flying the Cooperative flag

The candidates for Chase Terrace ward in May’s Lichfield District Council elections standing as “Labour and Co-operative” say that they are proud to be flying the Cooperative flag

Steve Norman and Sue Woodward are members of both the Labour Party and its sister Party, The Cooperative Party and are therefore now standing as Labour & Co-operative Candidates. They believe that they are the first candidates for Lichfield District Council to do so.

Since 1927, the Labour Party and the Co-operative Party have maintained an electoral agreement which allows for candidates to stand on a joint Labour and Co-operative platform. There are over 1,200 Labour & Co-operative Councillors across the country, alongside 26 Labour & Co-operative MPs and numerous MSPs, MSs and Mayors.

Steve Norman said:

“Being a Co-operative member signals a belief in the values of honesty, openness, social responsibility, fairness and caring for others. This is what I came into politics for and to put these values into action.”

Sue Woodward said:

“For me, cooperation is about inclusion and partnership working. People don’t want councils doing things to them but with them and we have seen real progress on partnerships and co-production here in Burntwood, not least as members if the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network.”

Although Sue and Steve are the only official Labour & Cooperative candidates, other candidates across Lichfield District and also longstanding members of the Cooperative Party including Diane Evans (a candidate in Boney Hay & Central ward) and Raj Kulkarni (standing in Boley Park).

Di Evans said:

“I strongly believe in Cooperative Party values their values have proved so important for Burntwood, where we work together, trust and listen to each other, to ensure that our town continues to develop as a thriving and vibrant area for the benefit of all residents.”

Raj Kulkarni said:

“After 23 years of local Conservative rule and 13 of national Conservative rule, our society is too divided. Now more than ever we need to reunite society. The Cooperative Party has the values to do this, in partnership with the Labour Party. I am proud to help in this endeavour.”

Joe Fortune, General Secretary at the Co-operative Party added:

“The Co-operative Party is a growing force in councils across the country. Together we have brought change on issues like modern slavery, fair tax, high streets and food justice. We have achieved so much, but there is still much more to do.

“This May, the Co-operative Party will be standing a record number of candidates. I’m excited to see us elect these brilliant candidates and see the co-operative difference they will make at town halls across the country.”

Labour Candidates Champion Neurodiversity in Lichfield District Council Elections

In the upcoming Lichfield District Council, Lichfield City Council, and Burntwood Town Council elections, two of Labour’s candidates are campaigning to bring their unique perspectives as neurodiverse individuals to council decision-making. James Blackman, who lives with dyslexia, and Paul Taylor, who has ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome/Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1, are committed to advocating for the neurodiverse. They also hope to demonstrate that neurodiversity is not necessarily a barrier to participation in local politics.

“Neurodiversity” refers to the natural variation of human brains and minds, including conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, and autism.

“As someone who has navigated the challenges of dyslexia, I understand firsthand the barriers that neurodiverse individuals face in education and the workforce,” said James, a Labour candidate in Leomansley. “Despite these challenges, I have successfully established two carbon-neutral businesses: a digital marketing agency and a logistics software company. I was also President of Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber of Commerce.”

Paul Taylor, a successful DJ, global tax manager, and incumbent Town and District Councillor representing Burntwood, added, “I was diagnosed with ADHD and ADS1 in adulthood, but I’m familiar with the hurdles these conditions can create. These experiences give us a unique understanding of how council decisions impact the lives of neurodiverse people. We are committed to ensuring that Lichfield District Council is inclusive and responsive to the needs of all its citizens.”

As neurodiverse individuals, Paul and James understand and advocate for the needs of other neurodiverse residents.

“Labour’s candidates have a proven track record of success and a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and representation,” said James Blackman. “We are ready to hit the ground running and get to work for the people of Lichfield. We urge voters to support us in these critical elections.”

The Labour Party is proud to champion diversity in these elections. “40% of our candidates are female, at least three candidates live with physical disabilities, and with at least three BAME candidates, we truly represent the whole district,” said Paul Taylor.

Scrutiny of health services called for by local Labour candidates

Author: Rosie Harvey Coggins

Waiting times of more than a year for local health services have been found in an investigation by the I newspaper into menopause treatment services. Wait times at Burton and Derby hospitals were 3^rd highest in the country, with their average wait time being 479 days from GP referral. The NHS target time is 18 weeks.

Labour Party candidates from the Lichfield District have called for an improvement to these services.

Rosie Harvey-Coggins, Labour Party candidate for St. John’s, Lichfield said: “Getting early access to these services can be life changing for so many women. Almost one million women leave employment due to menopause symptoms. Negotiating with workplaces to implement menopause friendly working policies is part of the important work I have already undertaken but more needs to be done to ensure that women who are suffering symptoms including joint pain, depression and disturbed sleep can get the correct care.”

Sharon Taylor, Labour Party candidate for Boney Hay and Central, Burntwood says: “Every woman’s journey through menopause is a very personal one. It can be very isolating, affecting all aspects of your life, your mental health, your ability to work, friendships and relationships. But it doesn’t have to be like that. Menopause is now reasonably well understood, but sadly the information isn’t reaching the women who need it.

I have experienced the gap in menopause support myself with no NHS services locally, this is why with two other local women, we founded a monthly Menopause Support Group. It’s so important to know that you are not alone, to talk about what you are going through and to be signposted to the support you need.”

Women in Burntwood and the surrounding areas who are interested in attending the Burntwood Menopause Support Group can find out more details on Facebook at https://www.facebook/groups/burntwoodmenopausesupport

The Labour candidates have agreed to ask Lichfield District Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee to investigate how these life changing services can be improved.

Sources as follows:

https://inews.co.uk/women-menopause-appointments-2025-2275134

https://www.tuc.org.uk/menopause-work

Keep It Civil”: Invitation to Candidates to Sign Up to Civility Pledge

The Jo Cox Foundation is calling upon candidates in the forthcoming local elections to sign up to its Civility Pledge, seeking to end the abuse and intimidation of those who put themselves forward for public office.

The call has been echoed by Cllr Sue Woodward, who is seeking a return to Lichfield District Council on 4th May. She is asking candidates across Lichfield District to sign too. The link is –

https://www.jocoxfoundation.org/civility_pledge

She said:

“Personal abuse should not be tolerated and I hope candidates, of all political parties and none, agree. Low level abuse can lead to horrific consequences as we saw with the murders of Jo Cox and David Amess. Our candidates in this district can show their commitment to ending abuse by taking a stand and signing up to this pledge.”

She has already received positive responses from fellow candidates and hopes to see far more signing up in the weeks ahead.”

She added:

“I’m no shrinking violet where robust debate is concerned about but personal abuse via social media can be really pernicious and it’s women in politics who experience this most. It puts many people off standing for election, which undermines our democracy.

Having experienced this myself, I want to make a stand and hope fellow candidates will join me.”

Author: Sue Woodward

Labour Engaging with local businesses

Author: James Blackman – Candidate for Leomansley Ward

As a business owner myself in Lichfield, I understand the challenges every single sector is facing and I am not going to lie, running a business is challenging particularly if you’re a micro business (0-9 employees). Often the government particularly this one has provided little support or incentives to help effectively grow micro businesses which make up 95% of all businesses in the UK (5.2 Million Micro Businesses)

One of the biggest problems at the moment is the cost of living and supply chain, both go hand in hand, this then is compounded by late payments of invoices and getting the skilled staff we all need to make our businesses work and prop up the local economy.

I have personally campaigned as former President of Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber of Commerce making sure Micro & Small businesses are paid on time without having to do the hokey cokey with large businesses to get paid. I managed to get 130 businesses in the West Midlands to sign a pledge to pay their suppliers in 30 days.

£24bn is owed to SME’s in the UK, on average it works out to £6k per annum is owed.

How can Labour locally help the economy?

We can help massively. Believe it or not, many very successful businesses are Labour supporters. We do want to make money to help the wider community and support local suppliers. Within Lichfield, we have a proliferation of exciting businesses, from web designers to drain cover manufacturers, blind manufacturers, food producers, pubs, and restaurants. Lichfield has it all.

We can’t rely on the Tory council to help with local business, as from history they can’t deliver on any large-scale projects. We as the residents of Lichfield can work together to grow the economy. Its very simple approach and totally logical.

Lichfield Labour is looking to support the economy by getting local businesses to work together, reduce their supply chain and use other local businesses. The talent and expertise are all within a 10-mile radius of the Cathedral.

Businesses working together make a stronger economy

If businesses looked more inward within Lichfield, the money will stay in Lichfield. For example why use Go Daddy or Fast Hosts for your business websites? Use a local company to host your company. They cost the same.

Don’t let the fees flow out to the Cayman Islands; put it into the businesses in the local area (city centre). Look at using local food producers; it may cost a little bit more, but in fact, you’re supporting a local business. Not only that you’re reducing the milage which in turn reduces your carbon footprint.

Buy your lunch at local café’s and restaurants/sandwich shops. If they’re buying locally and you spend buying lunch with them rather than Greggs, Tescos, or Waitrose, you know that your local shop will keep employing staff locally, rather than your money going to shareholders outside the area. Again, you would be reducing the mileage your sandwich makes which in turn reduces your carbon footprint.

Labour is here to listen to your business needs! Our members are extremely well connected and are active in business networking groups and can listen to how we can help your business grow.

Read our Manifesto on A Fairer and More Prosperous Economy

A Fairer Greener Lichfield

Keir Starmer visited Staffordshire to lay out Labour’s stance on crime.

I was honoured to be invited to be in the audience as first, Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary set out some of the shocking crime figures, particularly figures relating to rape and sexual violence against women and girls: a truly appalling figure of 1.3% of rape cases are prosecuted and yet around 300 women in this country are raped every day, every single day.

How on earth did we, as a supposedly civilised country, get here?

The simple answer is 13 years of Tory Government. Their choice to cut public services while giving tax breaks to the rich isn’t without consequences for police, health services, education, youth provision, early support interventions and much more.

Keir set out clearly and confidently his four goals to make Britain safer:

restoring public confidence in every police force
halving the incidents of knife crime,
reversing the downward trend in the proportion of crimes solved and
halving the levels of violence against women and girls.

Straightforward, but by no means easy to achieve. What he did show, however, was his absolute determination to focus on crime.

Fighting crime is a Labour cause

As he said, “Fighting crime is a Labour cause,” because it is ordinary hardworking families who suffer most from what some call low-level crime – and he dismissed that term completely saying:

“Whatever the crime: anti-social behaviour, hate crime, serious violence, it’s always working people who pay the heaviest price. Working class communities who have to live under its shadow. That’s why tackling crime – law and order – will always be so important for my Labour Party.”

One particular comment resonated with me. Keir said, “Cleaner streets make safer streets.” It’s called the broken windows theory where visible signs of decay, vandalism and even the smell of cannabis depresses people’s pride in their area, giving the impression that no-one cares.

Labour does care, and in Burntwood and across the District we have worked hard to ensure we grow civic pride through caring for our communities.

The Burntwood Response and Repair Team, BuRRT,

Introduced by Labour-controlled Burntwood Town Council is a case in point. If we wait for the District or County Councils to carry out minor repair jobs, we’ll wait for a very long time. It’s the same with CCTV in The Dimbles, lobbied for by Labour Councillors (though let down in part by Conservatives at Lichfield District Council).

Both the timing and the venue for this important announcement were significant. It came the day after Dame Louise Casey’s damning report on the Metropolitan Police was published. And it was made in a County where our Police Force is in special measures. The effect on police morale is devastating and yet the Home Secretary and the Conservative Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner here fail to act or take any responsibility. They also completely fail to acknowledge that their years of economic decline and austerity cuts have anything to do with the current state of policing here.

Staffordshire has seen one of the biggest drops in police officer numbers since 2010 in the whole of England and Wales, from 2161 to 1595 last September. As in other public services, police officers are asked to do more and more with fewer and fewer people.

That’s where confidence, both within the police and among the general public, starts to break down. Labour will reverse those trends and Keir was in bullish mood about this subject, motivated by his experience and so close to his heart.