Pavey resigns from Brent Cabinet over differences with Council Leader Muhammed Butt

Butt & Pavey (left and right) in happier times

Former Brent Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Michael Pavey, has resigned from the Brent Cabinet over differences with Council Leader, Cllr Muhamemd Butt,  over how best to serve residents at a time of 'brutal Tory cuts'.  Pavey contested the Council leadership unsuccessfully in May and was demoted to Lead Member for Stronger Communities.

This is Cllr Pavey's letter to fellow members of the Labour Group:

Dear all,

I am writing to confirm that following much consideration I have tendered my resignation from the Cabinet.

I think it is clear that the Leader and myself have developed differing views regarding how Brent Council can best serve its residents at a time of brutal Tory cuts.

I look forward to working with you all as a backbencher for Barnhill, campaigning hard for another barnstorming Labour victory in 2018 and continuing my national work to protect Sure Start Children's Centres.

With best wishes,
Mikey

Cllr. Michael Pavey
Labour Councillor for Barnhill
Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Brent Council

Differences may well have arisen as the Coucil prepares its budget for 2017-18 and submits a 4 year Action Plan as a consequence of agreeing to a freeze in the Revenue Support Grant.

It  will be interesting to see if opposition to Cllr Butt's approach coalesces around Pavey.