Rushed off to buy a copy of the Montgomeryshire County Times this morning. Desperately hoping that one of my previous posts hadn't appeared in the 'Blog of the Week' column. What a relief. The one I did which referred to the change in 'political' allegiance on Powys County Council of Councillor Wynne Jones of Abermule was not there. The Editor had chosen my post attacking Gordon Brown's cynical attempt to buy votes in Crewe and Nantwich with "£2.7 billion of our money instead. Whew. That might just keep the lawyers off my back. But it might not of course.
Met with the above mentioned Cllr. Jones this morning. He was not a happy bunny at all. He very kindly (in the circumstances) entertained me to coffee in his rather splendid sitting room, where I considered myself fortunate not to have been given the Heather MaCartney treatment. Anyway, to the issue that had fired up Wynne into such a frenzy. He described my assertion that he has "jumped ship" from one 'Independent' Group on Powys County Council to another as incorrect, using rather more forceful terminology (I know some children read my blog). This blog seeks to uphold a reputation for accuracy, so lets get this right. Whereas I'd posted that Cllr. Wynne Jones had left the Montgomeryshire Independent Group (MIGs) to join the Powys Independent Group (PIGs), he informs me that he actually left the MIGs to join a completely new Group, called the Powys Independent Alliance. Two other former MIGs have made the same decision, and one of the new Councillors in Montgomeryshire has also joined the PIAs. (In passing, I note that as much as like piggies, I never did think PIGs was a very elegant name for a political group). So its PIAs from now on - which has something of a European sound about it.
The second thistle in Wynne's trousers was my description of him as 'pressuriser', suggesting that he had been encouraging others to follow him into the PIAs. Well, he swears blind he's done no such thing. I'm reporting what he told me. Funny thing, I thought this would have been quite commendable, and that my blog was rather complimentary about him - especially the line I casually threw in that he might have changed groups to make a pitch for the Chairmanship of the Board. Wynne assured me that no such thought had ever crossed his mind, which disappoints me greatly. For me, politics is about ambition (as long as it doesn't interfere with public service) and trying to change things. I like to see ambition in our councillors and I also like to see competition for the top job. Wynne is a capable man, and I hope he doesn't hide his talent under a bush for ever.
A lot more 'bloggable' material emerged from our discussion this morning, but this blog will only stand so much 'local Council' news. I'll cover the most important issue over the weekend. I do hope I'm not going to have another ear bashing as a result of this post.
7 comments:
Winnie Jones whingeing? Is that possible? The machinations of independents in Powys reminds me of the Monty Python Life of Brian, with the fierce inter-partisan fighting between the Peoples Front of Judae and the Judaen People's Front. I am intrigued by the other 'juicy' gossip to come out of this meeting, like possibly what local good causes Jones (no relation) will be supporting with his council salary as pledged in his leaflet?
Roman - He was very interested indeed to unmask you.. I didn't offer him any help on this particular front.
Thank you - although there is no mask to remove; I am who I am - so to speak....
Well, I can only tell you that Wynne is considering buying a pack of bloodhounds to sniff you out. (Only joking Wynne - if you happen to read this). He suspects that you have some connection with Abermule.
I admire men of single principal or was that principle ... on the Powys Council and Glyn you should realy lay off.
The single principal or principle is of course - put yourself first ..but only after an uncontested election.
anon - a touch unkind, in my judgement. I should comment that although I've been poking some gentle fun in Wynne's direction, I reckon him to be a committed and hard working councillor.
I have nothing specifically against Wyn Jones. I try to hold all elected representatives to account for their promises and their actions. It's just that he is now my local councillor, that's all.
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