The Lib Dems have called for Southwark Council’s leader to resign over a “litany of housing failures”.
The opposition described Cllr Kieron Williams’ record as “appalling” – citing several major works projects that went millions over budget and could lead to fraud investigations.
The Lib Dems have pointed out that Cllr Williams was in charge of housing when controversial major works projects for the Devon Mansions and the Canada Estates were signed off between May 2019 and June 2020.
Those projects have since seen residents complain of shoddy workmanship and being ignored by the council.
The opposition has also called for Cabinet Member for Finance Cllr Stephanie Cryan to resign from her post, who led housing when the Kirby Estate project was first signed off.
According to council reports, the pair were responsible for regularly monitoring these projects as their costs soared and residents’ complaints poured in.
Southwark Council’s interim Housing Director apologised “unreservedly” for failings and audits into the projects have begun – with fraud investigations still a possibility.
The Lib Dems also said housebuilding in the borough was “grinding to a halt” after projects on the Bells Gardens and Lindley Estates were paused over a lack of funds.
Although the Lib Dems’ council motion only asks the politicians to “consider their positions”, the party has since said this is equivalent to a call for resignation.
Barry Duckett, Chair of the Canada Estate Tenants’ and Residents’ Association (TRA), where Southwark News exclusively revealed works had gone £1.7 million over budget and seventeen months over schedule, has called for their resignations for months.
He said: “The leader should resign. There needs to be a shake up of this cabinet because you will not build a relationship with your tenants if you do not consult with them, do not listen to them and do not take any notice of what they have to say.”
Southwark Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson Cllr Emily Tester said: “The crises and scandals hitting housing in Southwark seem to be never ending.
“Housebuilding grinding to a halt while the housing waiting list climbs higher and higher. Major works projects millions over budget and years over schedule. Damp, mould and disrepair rampant in council homes.
“It is time for real accountability. Members of the cabinet who have presided over this appalling record remain in key decision making roles – even leading the council – and it is time they considered their positions, as we consider them to be untenable.”
Council Leader Kieron Williams – who saw off a challenge to his leadership last week – declined to comment.