Pendle Leader's position under threat from Lib Dem motion

Pendle Council Leader, Asjad Mahmood

Pendle Councillor Leader, Asjad Mahmood's (IND) position is under threat following a motion by the Liberal Democrats to oust him.

Cllr David Whipp

In an Extraordinary meeting called for January 29, 2025, David Whipp (Lib Dem) and seven of his party colleagues, have proposed to remove Cllr Mahmood from his role due to a lack of confidence in his leadership. 

The move by the Lib Dems comes in response to what they claim is Cllr Mahmood's refusal to agree to an app for taxi drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and safe to transport members of the public.

Pendle's Taxi licencing has been a long-running saga along racial and religious lines, with many speculative allegations of corruption and 'favours for friends'. 

Pendle taxi drivers have often pushed back on increased safety checks on their vehicles citing increased costs and, consequently, increased fares for local residents.

When asked about the motion Cllr Mahmood was coy on the matter, saying only there was a "difference of opinion," and that "talks are still ongoing".

Cllr Newman (Lib Dem) on the other hand spoke openly about how they wanted taxi drivers to adopt the app to ensure the safety of Pendle residents using their vehicles.