New style of leadership

From the Gazette & Herald, first published Thursday 10th Mar 2005.

POLITICAl newcomer Carol O'Gorman has taken over the leadership of North Wiltshire's ruling Liberal Democrat group in a bloodless coup that has left party stalwart Ruth Coleman out in the cold.

The change at the top of the party came after it was made clear to Coun Coleman that she would not win if the decision went to a vote.

She stood down gracefully rather than allow a split to develop in the party so close to an expected General Election in May.

It is another bombshell for the district council, coming only days after it was announced that the contract of its chief executive of ten years, Bob Marshall, was not going to be renewed.

This week the Liberal Democrats were trying to play down any division but on Tuesday it became clear there was no love lost between the two leadership rivals when they didn't appear together at a press conference or have their photograph taken together.

The two women may share a political persuasion but insiders say their styles of leadership are very different.

The Gazette was told that Coun Coleman, who declined to give her age, backed down gracefully after realising she would not get enough votes to continue as leader.

"There are 26 voters so if 18 say they aren't going to vote for you it's not difficult to work out what will happen," the source said. "She knew she was beaten. One or two people had knives out for Ruth but most just felt it was time to move on."

Party members asked Coun O'Gorman to stand as leader after Christmas and it soon became apparent that she was favourite.

She will officially take over as leader of the council on May 17.

Mother-of-four Coun Coleman, who lives in Christian Malford, refused to be drawn on the issue of a leadership battle, saying vote numbers were speculation. "It's pointless starting to count votes in an election that hasn't happened," she said.

Coun O'Gorman, 55, who was elected two years ago and is also Mayor of Calne, said: "Every year there is a democratic process where people can apply for the leadership and other positions. I was asked to stand and Ruth withdrew from the nominations last Thursday. I can't comment on why."

She added: "Ruth has been sound and thorough and it's good to know that she will be there for me to run ideas and thoughts past her.

"I'm honoured to be offered the position and I shall work positively, thoroughly and productively for the people of North Wiltshire."

Coun O'Gorman lives in Anchor Road, Calne with her husband Paul. She has two grown-up children, Claire and Paul, who both live in London.

She described herself as being focused, inclusive and a good enabler.

Coun Coleman, who has been a councillor for 14 years, was at the helm between 1994 and 1999 before standing down to make way for deputy David Packham.

When Mr Packham lost his seat in 2003, Coun Coleman became leader again. "I really thought that I'd done my stint as leader, but when David lost out to a handful of votes a lot of new councillors were voted in," she said.

"What has happened now was very much in the hands of the group. It does give me the opportunity to review my future but I've not yet reached any decisions."

As well as being a district councillor, she is one of 24 members from the UK on the European Union's committee of the regions, on the Lib Dem federal policy committee and the Local Government Association's international bureau.

Lib Dem councillor Ross Henning said there have been complaints she was often out of contact. "Ruth's knowledge has been tremendously valuable to this council but people started to complain that she was away a lot," he said.

"She is involved in both regional and national politics and is always at the forefront of what's going on. She's bought a lot of those ideas and attitude to North Wiltshire.''

Chairman Coun Dianne Moore will also be challenged for her post by vice chairman Coun Peter Davis. The party will now hold an internal vote in May.

Cllr Davis, 64, said: "It's not controversial ­ the post comes up every year at election. I think I deserve the chairmanship."

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