Former Leicester City Council leader Ross Willmott has been agitating for a while now over the axe that’s likely to fall on some of the big projects planned for the city.

Because while Ross was fond of an eye-catching (and often costly) project announcement, new leader Veejay Patel has made it clear from the start that many of these simply aren’t justifiable given the financial climate.

He sent Ross an email this month, addressing his concerns, but also managed to squeeze in a few choice words.

He said:

“I do hope that you continue to uphold Labour values and accept the democratic process and support the leadership.

“As you will be aware the timetable for the selection of candidates for the 2011 local elections will be produced soon … and we cannot be complacent.

“The approach you decide upon will have potential implications on yourself and all group members and in particular with marginal seats and lower turnouts. I do hope that you consider working in the spirit of unity rather than personal ambition.”

Have you read between the lines? Ross Willmott certainly did.

He responded the next day:

“Your email contains a thinly veiled threat to deselect me from my seat…”

Forget the actual city elections, it’s the party manoeuvrings for seat nominations that’ll keep things interesting for the next few months.

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