Damian White has won a vote to become Havering Council leader, defeating residents’ candidate Clarence Barrett.
White, formerly deputy leader, came away with 29 votes while Barrett had 20. All five Labour councillors abstained.
Robert Benham has been announced as deputy leader of the council.
Meanwhile it’s been confirmed that Michael Deon Burton, elected as an independent councillor for South Hornchurch less than three weeks ago, has joined the Conservative Party.
He had initially been a candidate for the Independent Residents’ Group before a late change to completely independent.
Burton has now been made deputy mayor for 2018/19, a role which Time 107.5 understands he was given in exchange for him voting for Damian White.
As expected, Dilip Patel was installed as mayor for the next year.
Three residents councillors voted for the Conservative candidate.
They are North Havering Residents’ Group representatives Brian Eagling, Martin Goode and Darren Wise – all from the Harold Wood ward.
They voted for the Cllr White despite a protest outside Havering Town Hall by residents urging them to respect voters’ choice.
Campaigners and resident group councillors protest outside Havering Town Hall.
Organisers of the demonstration say they voted for various residents groups across the borough as an alternative to Conservatives and bemoaned those who they say “betrayed” them.
For more reaction to last night’s full council meeting and leadership contest, listen to Time 107.5 FM or here on our website.
Tags: Havering, Politics
