Open Letter from the Conservative Leader
To Council staff, residents, community partners, local businesses, and everyone with a stake in
our town’s future,
We believe local government works best when it is transparent, accountable, financially responsible, and focused on delivering for residents. Trust in how the Council operates has been challenged, and confidence can only be rebuilt through action, not promises. Today, we are setting out our intentions: a clear programme focused on restoring confidence, stabilising the Council and creating a culture of responsibility, aspiration and collaboration. This is not about revisiting old arguments; it is about looking ahead.
It should be about the place, our town, and not politicians. It is about ensuring decisions are made properly, finances are managed responsibly, and the Council focuses on the everyday priorities that matter most to residents and our local economy.
Immediate Priorities: Rebuilding Confidence in How the Council Operates: Our priority is to strengthen governance and restore public confidence from day one. That begins with leadership arrangements and a commitment to stronger scrutiny, greater transparency, and governance that works in the interests of residents. We have sought to take important steps this evening (20 May) and will continue to focus on ensuring accountability and confidence in how the Council operates.
Our First 100 Days: Stabilising Finances and Focusing on the Basics: The Council must regain
- stability, strengthen leadership, and focus on delivering core services effectively. During our first 100 days, we intend to:
- Reset the Council’s strategic direction, priorities, and public identity and confidence.
- Resolve Financial Officer (Section 151) arrangements and strengthen senior leadership stability and expectations.
- Establish clear standards for transparency, accountability, and governance.
- Bring forward a revised budget and capital programme aligned to our six commitments.
- Review spending commitments, liabilities, and financial pressures.
- Assess major projects for affordability, deliverability, and value for money, consulting on options.
- Establish a cross-party Transformation and Savings Group focused on efficiencies and reducing unnecessary spending, with service reductions only as a last resort.
- Develop a medium-term financial recovery strategy for long-term sustainability.
- Review major procurement and direct award decisions.
- Assess commercial and contractual risks across major schemes and projects.
- Review Council assets to ensure they support value and long-term priorities.
- Review grant arrangements and strengthen independent oversight and transparency.
- Refocus on frontline services residents rely on daily, including parking, CCTV, housing, waste, and public spaces, while supporting a stronger local economy.
- Begin meaningful engagement with residents and establish a clear position on Local
Government Reorganisation.
Working Without a Majority: A Commitment to Residents: We recognise that governing without an overall majority requires a different approach. Residents expect maturity, cooperation, and responsible leadership.
That means, we commit to:
- Choosing stability over confrontation and blame.
- Ensuring decisions and reviews are evidence-led, transparent, and focused on outcomes.
- Working constructively with others where agreement can be reached while remaining clear about our Conservative principles.
- Taking an issue-by-issue approach where collaboration delivers better outcomes for residents.
- Promoting respectful debate and challenging misinformation, bullying, and personal attacks.
- Recognising that difficult decisions may be required and accountability matters.
- Communicating openly so residents understand decisions and the reasons behind them.
- We do not underestimate the challenges ahead. Financial pressures are significant, trust must be rebuilt, and difficult decisions may lie ahead. But councils succeed when they focus on sound
- governance, honest conversations, and the services residents rely upon.
- This letter is not a final destination; it is the beginning of a process, a reset. Rebuilding confidence, restoring stability, and creating a Council residents can trust and be proud of.
- We look forward to working with residents, staff, businesses, and colleagues across the chamber to achieve that goal.
Cllr Zoe Huggins BEM
Leader, Gosport Borough Council
20 May 2026
