Ian Morrell's petition of no confidence in Taunton Deane leader John Williams

A former fellow Tory has written to all Deane House councillors seeking their backing to force the authority into a vote of no confidence in Cllr John Williams, who has been at the helm for 12 of the last 15 years.

Cllr Ian Morrell, now an Independent, has struck at a time the Conservatives appear to be in disarray and he hopes to persuade opposition councillors to back his campaign to replace Mr Williams.

Mr Morrell claims the council has "steadily deteriorated" due to a "lack of considered leadership" under Mr Williams, who has countered that he is proud of his achievements heading up the authority.

Ian Morrell, who sent out the petition

If the motion to sack Mr Williams is to go the full council in October, the petition needs the names of a majority of the 56 councillors before mid September - 33 are Conservatives, 15 LibDems and the other eight Independent, Labour, UKIP or Green members.

Mr Morrell's letter, ahead of the abolishing of the council ahead of its merger with West Somerset Council next year, says removing the leader would "facilitate the improvement of Taunton Deane to the place we all want it to be".

Referring to Mr Williams's period in charge, he adds: "During that time the council has steadily deteriorated in terms of vision, direction, management and performance.

"Most damaging is the public perception - by many people we are elected to represent - of TDBC and the new West Somerset and Taunton Council."

Among reasons he gives for the Deane's unpopularity are a decade of "inaction on the regeneration of Firepool"; £10 million spent on Vision for Taunton consultants; housing developments without creating new jobs; making 28 per cent of staff redundant costing £5 million; and exposing the council to unnecessary "financial risk" by borrowing £30 million over 18 months.

Mr Morrell adds: "For too long a lack of considered leadership has diminished the council's reputation, delivery and confidence.

"We are all inadvertently associated with Cllr Williams's decisions.

"In the interests of the public and the future of our wider community, the time has come for change at the top."

Mr Williams, who admits councillors are entitled to submit no confidence resolutions, although he is bewildered by the timing so close to the Deane ceasing to exist, is determined to hold on to power.

He said: "I am proud of what I have delivered as leader of TDBC, steering it through some of the most testing times in its history.

"We endured the steepest economic recession in living memory and the most radical cuts in our funding."

Despite this, Mr Williams said the district boasts "a resilient economy with significant investment"; the council has continued to "maintain and improve" parks and open spaces and has excellent leisure facilities; it is investing heavily in growth and development, with £16.6 million to pump-prime projects; it has retained its social housing and invested to ensure it is "modern, comfortable and affordable"; the delivery of affordable housing is "on target"; and the new merged councils will save £3.1 million annually.

Mr Williams added: "I believe passionately in our council – the existing TDBC and the soon to be created Somerset West and Taunton Council.

"What diminishes our reputation is nonsensical, politically motivated in-fighting designed to attract headlines and delay delivery of projects that will make a real difference to our people and our place.

"Leadership means taking the brickbats as well as the bouquets, being resilient and taking tough and sometimes unpopular decisions. It means staying true to principles and public service."

• FOR the petition to succeed he needs at least 29 councillors to sign.

If all 23 non-Conservative councillors sign, which is not guaranteed, he would still need the support of at least six Conservative councillors.

The LibDems, the second largest group with 15 members, are meeting this evening (Thursday), when they will decide what line to take.

Group leader Cllr Simon Coles said: "I wouldn't argue with comments Ian Morrell has made about the devastation that's happened under John Williams's watch.

"Nobody could argue against the fact that there should be great concern at the lack of vision from the man and the lack of activity."

LibDem leader Simon Coles.

Independent Cllr Eddie Gaines said: "There's been a mixed reaction. Independents all have different views.

"But I have no confidence in John Williams as a leader and will sign.

"There are resources of Taunton Deane that aren't being maximised. There's a lack of achievement."

Eddie Gaines.

• IF Mr Williams were toppled, favourite to replace him from the Conservative ranks is Cllr Roger Habgood.

Mr Habgood last week was sacked as planning policy and transportation portfolio holder following a difference of opinion over Mr Williams's desire for the council to fund a new hotel building at Firepool.

Roger Habgood.

Mr Williams said he axed Mr Habgood as it was "time for a change", praising him for doing "a very good job".

Mr Habgood, who has experience as a previoous leader of Runnymeade Council, is not commenting.

One Tory likely to vote against Mr Williams is Cllr Alison Gunner, who has been told she cannot stand as a party candidate in May's election.

Mrs Gunner says she does not approve of being "gagged" by the group leadership and feels "millions of pounds are going to be wasted if the council doesn't listen" to grievances about developments such as Firepool and Coal Orchard.

Alison Gunner

She added: "John Williams runs the council in an old-fashioned way.

"I'd like to see the Conservatives lose the local election next year. They're a bit tired. It needs fresh blood.

"I'll not be voting Conservative - they've lost their way here and nationally."

Former Mayor Cllr Dave Durdan, who is standing in the next election as an Independent to become "a voice for the people, not the party, is considering signing the petition to oust Mr Williams.

He said: "At this stage there could be a probability of supporting the petition, but I've not made my mind up yet.

"It is time for a new leader. The leader should only be there for a maximum of two terms (eight years).

"After that you get stale. You need new blood, new ideas."

Dave Durdan

His daughter, fellow Conservative Cllr Kelly Durdan, is also standing as an Independent next year and Mr Morrell would hope to win her signature too.

Kelly Durdan.

There are rumours a number of other Tories could help to remove Mr Williams, but his trusty deputy Cllr Mark Edwards is backing him.

He said: "Cllr John Williams has worked tirelessly on behalf of Taunton Deane locally, regionally and nationally.

"The effort and time he has given has been exceptional and his integrity is unquestionable. He has my full and total support as leader of the council.

"In particular his attention to detail and challenge to officers and portfolio holders is fair and robust in making sure we are all working towards the same goal, which is the betterment and well being of our whole community.

Mark Edwards

"He will continue to have my total support and, it is clear from my colleagues I have had contact with, the support of the Conservative group."