Leaderless Burnley Council accused of 'insulting residents' as town records highest Covid infection rate in country

The council meets tonight to vote on a way forward but has been without a leader since political squabbling led to the previous administration collapsing. Meanwhile, the Covid rates in the borough have risen to become the worst in the country.

Shadow Local Government Secretary, Steve Reed MP, said: “It is an abdication of responsibility and an insult to the people of Burnley for the council to be left without leadership at this difficult time.

“It has never been more important to have strong leadership in our local councils, especially where Covid infection rates are rising and extra restrictions are in place.

“To walk away because of factional infighting is not what people expect from their elected representatives.

“Burnley needs a leadership that can manage the difficult decisions on education, testing and support for business that will be critical in the coming weeks and months.

“I know Burnley’s Labour councillors are ready to step up and take control to steer the community safely through this crisis.”