Tory "grab" - letter to press

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 27th May 2005

How fearful the Tories must be to grasp all the positions of authority and outside bodies on the County Council to themselves - and what a message this seizure of all the reins of power sends out to residents across the county. I wonder how many people are now having second thoughts about their democratic choice on May 5th now the reality begins to hit home?

Still, I am sure that the Tory Group will do an exemplary job of scrutinizing itself, rather as I understand in some rural areas foxes are tasked with keeping watch over the rabbit population at no extra charge to the farming community.

Residents across the county can be assured that Liberal Democrats on the County Council will keep a close eye on the new Tory Barons just as well as we would have done had a fair distribution of formal responsibilities been agreed.

Residents in the Vale can also be reassured that the ruling Liberal Democrat Group on the District Council will continue to work positively with our opposition, even if that sometimes causes us a little discomfort - that is, after all, the price of proper democracy. The opposition leader will remain as the head of our Scrutiny committee and she will be free to lead her committee in examining the work of the Council as she chooses, within the reasonable limits of our all-party agreed constitution. Opposition Councillors will also be free to attend a number of outside bodies as representatives of the Vale with the full endorsement of the Council.

What a contrast and what a clear and fundamental message this sends out to voters across the Vale and the county.

Yours sincerely

Cllr Bob Johnston

Shadow Cabinet Member for Transport, Oxfordshire County Council

Deputy Group Leader, Vale of White Horse District Council