Nuneaton and Bedworth Council leader removed over election delay

He argued that would not be “a prudent use of resources”, saying money could instead be used to help prepare for the abolition of Warwickshire’s councils, which are set to be replaced with a new single tier authority by 2028.

Despite the blow of having their leader ousted, Labour retained leadership of the council, with Watkins’ deputy Steve Hey voted in at the end of the two-and-a-half hour meeting.

He was installed with the help of the council’s two Green Party councillors, ahead of Conservative challenger Wilson. Their support came after Hey signalled was he in favour of local elections taking place as planned.

Asked by the BBC whether he would categorically reverse the position of his Labour predecessor by telling the government elections should take place, Hey said: “In Nuneaton and Bedworth, yes. And bring it on.”

With half of the borough’s seats up for grabs, Labour had been accused of “running scared” by the Reform leader of Warwickshire County Council, George Finch.

Responding to that claim, Hey suggested Finch had “too much time on his hands”.

He said: “Do I look like I’m running scared? I think the elections are going to be very difficult and I think the problem is that local elections are run on national lines.”