The Slough Lib Dem Group Leader, Councillor Sabia Akram, called for urgent and decisive change following the resignation of Council Leader, Tory Cllr Dexter Smith. His departure comes amid mounting criticism from government-appointed Commissioners over the council’s slow pace of improvement and growing concerns about its long-term financial sustainability.
Cllr Akram said: "Leading a local authority is never easy, and I recognise Dexter’s public service to the residents of Slough."
Cllr Akram was quoted in the Slough Express, 24 April 2026, as telling Cllr Smith on news of his retirement as Leader of Slough Council, “it's a very difficult job. I think you have done it with amazing grace - most of the time and despite the challenges, and again, particularly taking on the challenges of a council that was in the financial situation that it was.”
Cllr Akram was referring the the fact that in 2021 under a Labour Leader, Slough Council was declared effectively “bankrupt”, with debts of £750million. Central Government Commissioners were then sent in to oversee how Slough Council was run. The Labour Council tax rise in 2023 was 10%.
The Tories took control of Slough Council in May 2023, but the pace of recovery has been slow. Cllr Akram said: “The latest Commissioners’ report makes for deeply concerning reading. It states the council is ‘plateauing’, that the transformation plan is ineffective, and that scrutiny of decision-making is virtually non-existent. This is simply unacceptable. Slough cannot afford more drift, more excuses, and more failed leadership.”
She added: “For the first time in local government history, the Government has commissioned an external review — led by Dame Mary Ney — into the council’s improvement trajectory. This extraordinary step reflects the seriousness of the situation and follows sustained pressure from Slough Liberal Democrats demanding accountability and transparency.”
At the recent Budget meeting, Liberal Democrats launched a strong critique of the Conservative administration, highlighting a pattern of poor leadership and financial mismanagement. Concerns raised included the high turnover of senior staff, overspending in legal services, and inadequate scrutiny of the council’s biggest financial pressures, including housing, temporary accommodation, and adult and children’s services. Liberal Democrats also criticised the fact that 27 out of 42 councillors currently receive a Special Responsibility Allowance, describing it as an attempt to “buy” support within the ruling group at a time when residents are facing reduced services and rising costs.
The Conservatives were unable to pass their own budget at the first attempt and were forced to return with concessions to both Labour and the Liberal Democrats before securing approval.
Meanwhile, the Lead Member for Housing, Temporary Accommodation and Estate Renewal, Councillor Robert Stedmond, has also resigned both as a portfolio holder and as a local councillor, further highlighting instability at the top of the administration.
Responding to the news, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Frank O’Kelly, said: “The housing situation left behind is deeply concerning. Temporary accommodation is now the council’s single biggest financial pressure, with costs averaging £2,200 per household. We are facing a projected £20 million overspend, yet the administration continues to withhold vital information about procurement arrangements with housing agencies and providers. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. Residents deserve to know how their money is being spent, especially when services are under strain and vulnerable families are being affected.”
He added: “The council’s own project, James Elliman Homes — intended to tackle homelessness — has failed to deliver. Instead of helping to stabilise the situation, it has struggled to manage homes and finances effectively, putting vulnerable residents at risk. This is a clear example of poor leadership and flawed decision-making.”
Councillor Akram, set out why Slough needs a fresh start, strong leadership, and a council that puts residents first. “Our priority as Liberal Democrats is clear: protect residents, restore trust, and deliver the change Slough desperately needs. The time for excuses is over — the time for change is now.”
