Sensational news that the chief executive of Blackpool Council, Steve Weaver, has been forced out by the elected members of the Council is rife around Talbot Square, despite Town Hall officials trying to keep a lid on it.
An all-party consortium met late last night in the Counting House to thrash out a severance package, which Weaver is thought to have accepted this morning.
Moments after Weaver was handed his P45 and sent packing back to Blackburn, council leader Peter Callow allegedly said;
This is massive news for Blackpool. Absolutely massive.
He went on to describe today as “my happiest day as a councillor” and “a proud one for the people of Blackpool”.
I am, quite frankly, stunned by this news. We have already heard that Mr Weaver had offered his resignation to Peter Callow when he became council leader, but I never expected an all party backlash toward his ineptitude; least of all just days after the deal to acquire the Tower and Winter Gardens was signed and sealed.
It is rumoured already that former Liberal Democrat councillor Jon Bamborough and outgoing Labour MP for Blackpool North Joan Humble are amongst the frontrunners for the top job.
UPDATE: Of course, it’s an April Fool!
This could be good news. It could also be something to do with the date?
*snigger*
If this is true then fantastic news, if its April Fools, then very funny. You had me going for a minute.
April Fool!!!!!
…………………………and there was me clearing my desk in anticipation of my new job!
Bloody hell Phil, thats cruel!!
I was in heaven for a minute!
The bit that gave it away was the Callow quote:
“This is massive news for Blackpool. Absolutely massive.”
Any genuine Callow quote would have finished on “… and I don’t want to take any credit for it at all. None whatsoever.”
I’m ashamed to say that you actually had me for a moment there….