The leader of Birmingham’s opposition Tory group has welcomed the Kerslake report and warned that it must not be shelved or dismissed.

Coun Robert Alden fears that the ruling Labour group will see Sir Bob Kerslake 's criticism as a party political interference and hope it will all be forgotten about after the general election next year.

Coun Alden, who welcomed the report, said: “My big worry is that the council leadership ignores this and hopes there will be a new local government secretary after the election who won’t follow through.”

He called for all political groups to work on the detail with commissioners to ensure the recommendations are enacted.

“I think many of the issues raised and the frustrations will be familiar to backbench councillors over the years. I hope the council takes this chance to take a look at itself and react in a positive manner.”

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On the electoral changes he added: “I welcome the move to all out elections and think most councillors would agree. It will help the council act in a more coherent manner.

“There is often short-term decision making with a view to the next election, with difficult decisions put off.

“Councillors can concentrate on their community role rather than worry about elections every 12 months.”

Coun Alden also pointed out that his groups criticism of the council constitution introduced by Labour in 2012 had been borne out in the report.

It included criticism that Human Resources at a time of massive workforce cuts are not represented at Cabinet level and that there is too much confusion over roles and responsibilities.

Commenting on Sir Albert Bore’s claim that Kerslake did not fully understand the constitution Coun Alden said: “That is what Sir Albert always says. He told us we didn’t understand the constitution in 2012, earlier this year he said the independent remuneration panel didn’t understand the constitution. Now he says that Sir Bob Kerslake doesn’t understand it.

“I think Sir Albert needs to take another look at his constitution.”