Another Surrey councillor has jumped from the mayor’s Safe Surrey Coalition, the second to go in as many months.
Surrey Coun. Brenda Locke announced her departure from Safe Surrey on Thursday morning, saying that it is “obvious that the Mayor has a my-way-or-the-highway approach to governing.”
Brenda Locke looks on Monday as Coun. Steven Pettigrew gets shut down by the mayor on a point of privilege. (Kevin Dikaiw/Photo)
She says she is shocked at the Mayor’s response to her concerns regarding future police staffing levels at Sophie’s Place Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Surrey.
She adds she has also asked for legal opinion on what she calls the defamatory nature of statements made.
Locke also says: “far too many decisions are made in the Mayor’s Office behind closed doors.”
All eyes are on Surrey Coun. Jack Hundial, a close friend of Locke, who frequently criticizes the mayor and Safe Surrey on key policies, including a move to a municipal police force.
Hundial told Pulse FM he wasn’t planning to leave the mayor’s coalition at this point.
“I have no intention of leaving at this time,” Hundial said.
Locke’s departure comes weeks after Steven Pettigrew left Safe Surrey Coalition. He was delighted in Locke’s move on Thursday.
And it comes only three days after the mayor threatened to throw Pettigrew from chambers as he stood on a point of privilege.
“I am proud of Councillor Locke and support her decision to serve the people of Surrey as an independent Councillor. She has a great depth of political experience that she has gained by serving the people as an MLA and a Minister. Councillor Locke has a great love for the people of Surrey and she will serve them well.”
McCallum was at the Mayor’s Council Thursday morning and unavailable for comment. It’s believed he may make a statement on his return Thursday afternoon.
- Photo Credit: City of Surrey Website – surrey.ca
See the official statement below.
