A Labour party bid to seize control of Walsall Borough Council could fall flat because too many councillors are on the beach.
The Labour group are trying for a second time this year to take power in the Black Country authority after winning a by-election last month giving them 30 seats out of 60.
But a meeting date for their challenge to the ruling Tory-Lib Dem coalition has been set for Monday, August 11, allowing little time to get councillors back from summer holidays.
Both Labour, with 30 councillors, and the Tories, with 21, admit they are not entirely sure who will be attending and who is away.
Labour had hoped the meeting would take place later in the month when they were confident of rallying their entire group, but the August 11 was chosen by independent mayor Pete Smith. The Tories said the decision should have been left to the next scheduled meeting on September 22.
Labour’s first leadership challenge in June was tied at 29 each, leaving Tory leader Mike Bird in place with the support of the Lib Dem coalition partners as well as a handful of UKIP and independent members.
Coun Bird suggested Labour’s “political inexperience” caused them to lose that vote and could cost them the leadership next week.
He said: “We never have meetings in August and it is the traditional holiday time for many people. I know some of my people are away and presume some of theirs are as well – so we don’t know which way it will go.
“They could have waited until September 22, the date of the next scheduled meeting, when they could have guaranteed the turnout. They have shown their inexperience here.”
He added that the Lib Dem, UKIP and independent members had backed him in June because of his experience and because he spoke to them all.
“Courtesy costs you nothing, and they would rather see an experienced leader with a good track record,” he added.
Coalition partner and Lib Dem leader Ian Shires said that Labour lost the vote in June and should have left it there.
He said: “We are into the third month of this year and are part way through the budgeting and planning for next year.
“It makes no sense to change things now, better wait until after the next election.”
But the opposition Labour group leader Sean Coughlan, who called for the emergency meeting has also been left fuming by the date set.
He had requested August 20 and claims the mayor had not consulted him.
“At the May elections and now at the recent by-election, voters clearly reject both the Tories and Lib Dems, who have only 24 seats in the chamber.
“The coalition has to rely on the votes of UKIP and independent councillors, of which the mayor is one. We fear that, because of previous commitments, some Labour members will not be able to attend.
“Despite this, we will try to get as many there as possible because we owe it to the voters who have clearly shown they don’t want the Tories and their partners.”
