Dudley's Lib Dem leader defends defeat on parish councils
Dudley’s Liberal Democrat leader insisted despite an overwhelming rejection it was right to ask Cradley people if they wanted a parish council.
Cllr Ryan Priest was a keen supporter of the idea and, during discussion on this years’ budget, persuaded Dudley’s ruling Conservative group to set aside up to £75,000 for a feasibility study.
The survey, which eventually cost council tax payers £8,000, attracted 1,269 responses with 82.6 percent saying no to the idea.
Cllr Ryan Priest said: “Government after government has failed to properly fund local councils – and as a result it is always frontline public services like our libraries and park maintenance that is first to be cut back.
“One tool in the box to counteract these cuts is through parish councils – and so it is right that Dudley asked the question.
“Residents of Cradley have given us a clear indication that they want to see their councillors fight for them in the existing system.”
Dudley Council leader, Cllr Patrick Harley, said: “The matter is now closed, Cllr Priest will be disappointed but we are a democracy.
“All the main parties got something out of the budget making process, this was something the Lib Dems wanted.
“I think there is too much bureaucracy in local government, I don’t think I would have supported another layer.”
The idea did not have support from Dudley’s Labour opposition leader either.
Speaking when the survey was launched in September 2025 Cllr Adam Aston, said: “ The last thing our borough needs is another layer of local government.
“I hope Cradley residents give this self-indulgent twaddle the short shrift it deserves and send a strong message to its instigators at the next election.”
Cllr Priest may also be thinking of local elections, he said: “While I believe a parish could have bought much needed investment in our community, I am pleased with the Lib Dem record demanding a fair deal from Dudley.
“We will continue to dedicate our campaigning efforts to finding alternative ways to protect local services and get Cradley a fair deal.”
