Esther McVey has criticised government for ignoring a report calling for commissioners to be put in charge of parts of Warrington Council to sort of the financial mismanagement and governance.
Instead government said it will send in “ministerial envoys” to help rather than take over functions.
An inspection was ordered by the previous Conservative government after criticism of the authority's £1.8bn debt, related mostly to its commercial investments.
Esther McVey said: “I am extremely concerned that despite the recommendations in the report stating commissioners should be appointed to take over certain function at the council, government has chosen to ignore this and instead opted for “ministerial envoys”.
“The Best Value Notice was issued a year ago, and the fact that the Labour-led council has failed to deliver in that time, should be enough for government to realise it needs to take control. This is a complete lack of leadership from the Labour government.
“The report identified a host of failings, including leadership, governance, culture and use of resources. These are serious issues and must act as a final and serious wake up call to do better, and quickly. My constituents in Lymm deserve better.
“I have written to the leader of the council and chief executive asking them to meet with me urgently to discuss this matter.”
