A NEW leader of the Royal Borough will be chosen by secret ballot tomorrow evening, after its former chief stepped down following allegations of bullying.

It emerged last week that Cllr David Burbage had received a vote of no confidence from his cabinet colleagues following a private meeting at deputy leader Cllr Simon Dudley’s house, just days before he announcing he was leaving his position, - after nine years as leader.

The accusation of bullying followed a complaint made by the council’s managing director, Alison Alexander.

Ms Alexander, who earns £129,000 a year, was appointed as managing director of Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Council (RBWM) last July.
In an email council chief Ms Alexander outlined six reasons why she had submitted the complaint. 

She accused Cllr Burbage of using 'bullying behaviour' towards council employees and said this has been "demonstrated through [his] aggressive approach in meetings to officers" and his "constant attacking of officers in leaders briefing".

She also described how Cllr Burbage had shown "unfair treatment of and disrespect for the wider workforce" and that his reputation and actions was restricting officers from being able to deliver partnership work with other councils.

In a private meeting held at deputy leader Cllr Simon Dudley’s home in Maidenhead last Wednesday, 12 cabinet members voted on a no confidence motion against Cllr Burbage. 

A significant majority of the Conservative councillors voted in favour of the no-confidence proposal.

Every Conservative councillor - Tories now make up all but three members of the authority - is entitled to stand and has until lunchtime tomorrow (Monday, May 9).

The new leader will be chosen by secret ballot that evening.

Windsor MP Adam Afriyie said: "David is one of the most effective councillors and local champions I have ever met. Under his leadership the Royal Borough has become a trailblazer, introducing innovative policies that have set national standards, improved our services and cut our council taxes year on year. 

"His MBE was well-earned and, while I am sad to hear of his decision to stand down after nine years of exemplary service, I very much hope to see him in a leading public service role again in the future. 

"The next leader of the Royal Borough has a tough act to follow but I'm confident that the Conservative led council will continue to serve us well.”