An interim Liverpool Council cabinet member has been appointed following the resignation of a senior councillor over links to a stalled city development.
Cllr Liam Robinson is to step into the role of cabinet member for neighbourhoods on a temporary basis following the resignation of Cllr Abdul Qadir earlier this month. The Picton ward member stepped down as an investigation was launched into his links to a large stalled development scheme in Vauxhall through the Liverpool-based Vega Group, which owns MV Canal, the subsidiary company behind the scheme.
Mayor Joanne Anderson confirmed that Cllr Robinson, Labour member for Kensington and Fairfield ward, would step into the role for a four-week period in an email to members this morning, seen by the ECHO. Cllr Robinson has represented the ward since 2008 and is Chairperson of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority transport committee.
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He also holds the portfolio for transport and air quality. It was revealed earlier in August that Cllr Qadir was a member of a Liverpool Council taskforce - or task and finish group - set up to investigate buyer-funded property schemes in the city, also known as fractional sales.
Cllr Qadir declared his interest in the Vega Trading Group and MV Canal on the council's register of interests. He said his role with Vega Trading had not conflicted with his role as a councillor on various committees including the fractional taskforce.
Following an official complaint being made, Cllr Qadir - who denies any wrongdoing - stepped away from his role while an investigation takes place. In a statement, Cllr Qadir said: "I believe that our city and its image are more important than any individual including myself. For me, our city and its residents will always be my highest priority and must be protected.
“In discussion with Mayor Joanne Anderson, I am taking a conscious decision to put the interest of our city and its residents ahead of my feelings, interest and my politics. Therefore I have decided to step aside as Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and allow for a full independent investigation to take its course without any influence or distraction.
“I will accept and abide by the outcomes or any recommendations from the investigation. This is not to say that I have done anything wrong or have anything to hide.
“All my decisions have been made in good faith. I have always been selfless in my role as an elected member with integrity, honesty and openness at the core of my dealings and have always worked to strengthen accountability and transparency in council decision-making."
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