Better the Devil You Know!

However, on a more positive note, during his two-and-a-half years in the top job, Bradley has demonstrated a genuine desire to engage with the private sector, and he has actually implemented a number of policies that DLIB has campaigned and argued for.
The proposed 'tall buildings' policy was scrapped. Three agencies, Liverpool Vision, Business Liverpool and Liverpool Land Development Company, were merged into one. And Warren accepted the role of 'Business Champion', a post that we had suggested be established.
Of course, during his tenure as leader he has made mistakes, as he reportedly admitted himself on the night of the leadership election. But, he did inherit a bit of a mess from the fall out of the Storey-Henshaw debacle, and many of his problems have emanated from that turbulent period in the council's history.
The big question now is, what does he do with his new mandate?
If he, and the council, is to move on, then a line must be drawn under the Storey era. Rightly or wrongly, there is a suggestion that some within the town hall are still settling old scores, and allowing petty jealousies and personality clashes from the time of the former leader and ex chief executive to dictate council policies and agendas. If the rumour that Mike Storey is to be removed from the executive board proves true, that could be the first signs of the calling of a truce!
Bradley should also look carefully at what more can be done to tackle city centre crime and anti-social behaviour. DLIB's call for zero tolerance struck a chord with the wider community, and this issue is clearly one area where the council leader will need to take an active interest.
I would also suggest that he needs to address the deficiencies within the city council's planning department. Developers still compare our city unfavourably with Manchester - and in my experience with very good reason.
The other issue that I would personally urge Bradley to consider, is for him to do a deal with the fire authority, take a sabbatical from his job as a fire fighter, and become a full time city leader.
Labour leader Joe Anderson had announced during the election campaign that, had he won, his intention was to do the job full time, and Bradley should follow suit.
With a Standards Board investigation hanging over him, he may feel that this is not the time for such a move. But, if he is cleared of any wrongdoing, then I hope that in the not too distant future, it is another DLIB idea that he implements!