Tories do it again!
May 31, 2007 3:23 PM
In the last month, the County Scrutiny Committees have all met (with the last one, Corporate Governance, meeting today) and have, as required, all elected Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen for the coming year.
They have all elected Conservatives to both these positions, despite the fact that one of scrutiny committee's functions is to provide a challenge to the Conservative cabinet. In complete contrast, in the Vale of White Horse District Council, the Liberal Democrat administration elects the Conservative Group Leader to chair their Scrutiny Committee, precisely so that they can be held - and be seen to be held - to account for their decisions. In Parliament, also, their equivalent of scrutiny - Select Committees - are in some instances chaired by opposition members.
"It is a shame, as I have said before, that the Tories here do not follow the best practice of other councils, even with an example just down the road to follow. As with all other appointments made by the Council, they have again seized all positions and responsibility allowances. Equally clearly they do not feel comfortable with giving the opposition parties any lead role in scrutinising the decisions they make. Neither will inspire the public with confidence that good scrutiny practice is being followed," said Cllr Zoé Patrick, Leader of the Opposition.
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