Community Life

Cllr. Mike Mogul

The Labour councillor who had the Whip removed following allegations he had been colluding with the Tories behind his party’s back has now resigned after over four decades as a member of the party.

In a statement, Cllr Mogul said: “Although I have been a member of the Labour Party for over 40 years, I have for some time been very unhappy with the way the Leadership of the Labour group behaves on Croydon Council.”

He continued “I have raised a number of genuine concerns about issues within the group with the Labour Leader, some as long ago as last September, but Councillor Newman has failed to deal with any of the issues. 

"His weak leadership and lack of support for me has been one of the reasons that I have decided to leave the Labour Party. 

I know that there are a number of other colleagues within the Labour Group that are unhappy with his leadership and the lack of support that he shows for backbenchers generally, unless they are part of his little clique.”

prove there are others

Responding to this attack, Leader of the Labour Group Cllr Tony Newman challenged Cllr Mogule to prove there were other councillors in the group who felt the same way he does. 

“I challenge him to find even one other Labour Councillor who shares his view. We all however wish Cllr Mogul good luck in the future”, says Cllr Newman

Continuing to defend his actions, Cllr Mogul continued:

“I have also been very impressed with the Conservative administration led by a strong and decisive leader in Mike Fisher. Their forward thinking plans for the Town and its regeneration are a breath of fresh air. 

In contrast the Labour leadership only seem to talk down the town and to oppose schemes that are good for Croydon like the recent Welleseley Square Planning Application.”

welcome with open arms

This is a welcome action according to the Tory Group, Leader Mike Fisher. 

He said: “I am very pleased that Mike Mogul has had the courage to stand up for what he believes is right. …. Many of us have known for some time that Mike has been given a very hard time for taking a different stance on some issues to those of Tony Newman and others on the front bench. I think it is regrettable that any difference of opinion is not tolerated within the Labour group and that if you dare to disagree you are subjected to abuse. He will be made most welcome in the Conservative Group.”

Labour’s Chief Whip, Raj Rajendran said:

“It is unacceptable that Cllr Mogul has betrayed the trust of his constituents and Ward members, although with his complete lack of principles he should feel at home in David Cameron’s Tory Party. Labour Councillors and the wider Labour Party all agree these are not the actions of someone we would wish to hold office in the name of the Labour Party”

Is Cllr Mogul your ward Councillor? If he is, what are your views on his defection? Should there be a Ward election? Email your views to me. evadney.campbell@bbc.co.uk