A WEEK is a long time in politics and the last seven days have seen two minor quakes on the local political Richter scale. Following their thumping by-election victory in Parks ward, the Morecambe Bay Independents have become the official opposition after their ranks were swelled by Tory stalwart Shirley Burns. And, at the recent Labour Party AGM, Stanley Henig was challenged for the party leadership by Morecambe councillor Trevor Tattersall.

Former mayor and long-serving councillor Shirley Burns switched her political allegiance last week claiming that she had more in common with the Independents. That makes the MBIs the second biggest party on the council with 11 members. Cllr Burns said: "I feel the Independents do more for the town of Morecambe. The main reason I joined the Conservative group was because I wanted to improve Morecambe. I think the Conservatives aren't capable of doing much for the resort any more. With the Independents I think I could bring about more positive changes."

With only 12 months to the local elections, MBI leader, Cllr Tricia Heath, welcomed Cllr Burns to the Independent group.

She said: "Shirley is a well-respected councillor who will be a great asset to our group. We are now the second largest group on the council and, after our fantastic by-election victory, we're confident of even more gains in the local elections in 12 months' time."

Another development was Trevor Tattersall's challenge to Labour Leader Stanley Henig.

Morecambe stalwart Cllr Tattersall, an active Labour man for more than 30 years, took up the role of 'stalking horse' and, although unsuccessful, secured enough votes to worry the party hierarchy. He was unwilling to say exactly why he challenged Cllr Henig but commented: "Like any other part of the Labour movement we have annual elections. I was nominated to stand in the election, which I lost, but I was happy to be elected as a member of the executive group."

Another change saw Cllr Eileen Blamire replaced by Cllr Pat Rye as chairman of planning policy committee.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.