Green Party coalition in Leeds accused of dodging incineration issue

[Nicholas]

A POLITICAL row has erupted between Green councillors and Labour rivals over controversial plans for a rubbish-powered electricity plant in Leeds.

A leading Labour councillor yesterday called on the Greens to quit the ruling coalition for allegedly failing to have a clear policy on waste incineration.
Labour councillor Alison Lowe, the shadow spokesperson for city services, said Green group leader Coun David Blackburn was "burying his head in the sand" in the hope the issue will go away.

She said the Labour group "fundamentally opposed" the plans for an "energy from waste" incinerator and claimed that Coun Blackburn supported the principal of incineration – which he denies.

Coun Lowe added: "Only last week, rather than face the music at an executive board meeting and have to tell the public he supports incineration, Coun Blackburn did not turn up.

"Given that Coun Blackburn is paid just over £27,000 for the privilege to represent the city, you would think he could have at least attended," she said in a statement...

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