Former boss praises report on Sandwell Council
Former Sandwell Council leader Steve Eling has praised a "fantastic" report into his former authority, which he says is proof his suspension from the Labour Party is "seriously misguided".
Mr Eling voluntarily stepped down as leader of the council last month after he was suspended by the Labour Party the month before. No reason was ever given for the suspension but it is understood party officials looked into the behaviour of a number of members in a long-running probe into regional Labour bodies.
Mr Eling, who became leader of the authority following Darren Cooper's death in 2016, has faced calls to stand down in recent years amid allegations that he has abused his position of power. Recently he was reported to have been told to stop wasting police time after repeatedly demanding the arrest of a blogger who made claims about council corruption.
But while he waits to hear the outcome of a Labour NEC investigation into him, a new report has been released praising the "significant progress" made at the authority under his leadership.
A team from the Local Government Association visited Sandwell Council in January, looking at the progress made over the past year since it originally visited and made 12 recommendations.
The LGA said Sandwell’s Vision 2030 “feels more embedded within the council” and has “empowered staff” and highlighted excellent performance in highways maintenance, youth offending and reducing bed-blocking at hospitals.
Among its wide-ranging feedback, the team also praised several areas including the council’s “strong track record of delivering balanced budgets” and work to engage young people in schools through the Aspire Sandwell scheme.
After the report was made public yesterday, Mr Eling said: "Its a fantastic report that shows a council that has focussed on dealing with the difficult issues and protecting public services through good leadership.
"I will be using it as evidence that the Labour Party action against me is seriously misguided."
