Mohammed Farooq, the current leader of Peterborough council, has criticized the previous administration, accusing them of neglecting their duties and squandering public funds on gambling activities instead of focusing on their responsibilities.
Farooq's comments came in response to claims made during the transition of power that his party had successfully improved the council's financial position. Dismissing these assertions, Farooq likened the previous management's actions to gambling away residents' money in a casino, rather than prudently managing the council's finances.
He emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "You almost sank a ship, then sailed on it for half an hour and now you say you saved it. No, you didn't save it. You played in a casino at the expense of Peterborough residents."
Farooq's remarks follow his prior announcement of a vote of no confidence in the council's former leadership. The independent commission overseeing Peterborough's governance and finances had also highlighted areas for improvement in its final report before the change in administration, acknowledging ongoing efforts to enhance financial management practices within the council.
