THE boss of Labour’s biggest council – which has gone bankrupt and stopped all but essential spending – is celebrating his 50th birthday in New York.
John Cotton, who was picked for the role by Labour boss Sir Keir Starmer, began the jaunt as Birmingham announced it cannot balance its books.
The council leader was criticised as he held an interview via video link from the Big Apple and it was announced that a Section 114 notice had been filed – meaning the city cannot meet its liabilities.
All new spending will stop immediately, except for protecting vulnerable people and statutory services.
There is also speculation that residents face a ten per cent hike in council tax.