Anger as mayor snubs school event

Wolverhampton’s Labour Mayor was today at the centre of a row after breaking a 100 year tradition with the town’s Royal School. Councillor Fred Ledsham has refused to attend the annual civic service at the school. And his action was today condemned by Tory group leader, Councillor Bill Clarke, as “mean and petty”.

Colonel Edward Gopsill, clerk to the governors at the Royal said: “We are very disappointed but we hope the tradition will begin again next year.” Councillor Ledsham said he hoped instead to arrange a church service at St Peter’s Collegiate Church for representatives of all secondary schools, including the Royal. He said he was very conscious that the Royal was the only school service, which the mayor attended “in state”.

Equal

He was equally conscious that other schools might feel a lack of involvement with the mayoralty by not being invited to join him at a special service. “I want equal opportunities for all children,” he said. Councillor Clarke warned that the mayor had already lost the Tory group’s goodwill by his decision.

“The decision shows little sensitivity towards history and tradition. It will be seen as mean and petty, a sop to the Left-wing of the labour party and counter to the mayor’s avowed intention to work for unity in the town.”

Councillor Clarke welcomed the idea of a youth church service but said that this should be in addition to the visit to the Royal.