Two senior members of South Ribble Conservatives have quit their party roles a month after the taxi licensing scandal came to public attention.

At a closed-doors AGM on Monday night, the chief whip, Coun Michael Green and his deputy, Coun Paul Wharton – who were responsible for discipline of members – decided not to stand again for the roles.

Coun John Rainsbury, chairman of licensing, has been elected as chief whip, with Coun Mike Nelson as deputy.

Coun Green said he was unable to commment on the decision to step down from the role he has held for 11 years. Coun Wharton said his decision was due to “personal integrity”.

“I didn’t feel I could fulfill my role effectively under the current leadership.

“I wouldn’t have the support of Margaret Smith (leader) or the members. I’m not sure what is deemed acceptable or not anymore.”

A month ago a secret report into child sexual exploitation by two taxi drivers was leaked to the press. In it the council was criticised for failing to carry out proper background checks. Since then a new probe has been launched into how a cabbie who tied up a disabled boy had his licence renewed.

http://www.lep.co.uk/your-lancashire/south-ribble/senior-south-ribble-conservatives-quit-party-roles-following-taxi-scandal-1-7918447
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 AUSTRALIA

 The West Australian Government has announced details of financial assistance for taxi drivers to help them adapt to proposed laws deregulating the industry and legalising ride-booking services such as Uber.

Legislation is set to be introduced to State Parliament as part of the Government's long-awaited reforms to license services like Uber.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said stage one of the changes would create a "new on-demand transport license category" to help reduce the regulatory burden.

There will be a $27.5 million "transition assistance package" to help the taxi industry adapt including $20,000 compensation payments for conventional taxi plate owners.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-18/government-moves-to-scrap-taxi-provisions-legalise-uber/7426910