Labour Boss of Bankrupt Birmingham City Council Celebrating His Birthday in New York

The leader of Birmingham City Council, John Cotton, is under fire as he celebrates his 50th birthday in New York, while the city faces bankruptcy and severe financial troubles. Cotton, appointed by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, embarked on his trip as the council announced that it is unable to balance its books. Critics are questioning his decision to travel while the council's financial crisis deepens.

A City in Crisis

Birmingham City Council has filed a Section 114 notice, a clear sign that the city cannot meet its financial obligations. As a result, all non-essential spending will be halted immediately. The council will prioritize protecting vulnerable residents and maintaining statutory services. However, there are concerns that council tax may increase by ten percent as a result of the financial strain.

A Controversial Move

Many have raised eyebrows at Cotton's decision to travel to New York amidst the city's financial turmoil. Critics argue that, as the leader of Europe's largest metropolitan authority, Cotton should have remained in Birmingham to address the bankruptcy crisis. Meirion Jenkins, shadow council member for finance, voiced his doubts about Cotton's knowledge of the city's financial troubles and called for his immediate return to take charge.

A Dysfunctional Party Group

John Cotton was appointed by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) to lead Birmingham City Council in May, following a scathing report that labeled the party group as "dysfunctional." The council faces significant challenges, including an equal pay liability of over £1 billion and an £87 million budget deficit this year.

Response from the Government

With the crisis in Birmingham making headlines, Rishi Sunak took the opportunity to criticize Sir Keir Starmer in the House of Commons. Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused Labour of mismanaging taxpayers' money and driving the city's finances into the ground. He warned against allowing them to do the same to the country as a whole.