My favourite 'snout' Edna Mopbucket hasn't been on for a while now. She cleans and dusts around civic offices in Wales, and lets me know about any tit-bits she discovers. She was on tonight, informing me that the Liberal Democrat Group on Powys County Council has decided to enter into a 'working arrangement' with the Powys Independent Alliance, creating a permanent majority to run the Council. If this is true, 9AND Edna's usually right) it would be a totally new situation for Powys C. C.. But it all sounds a bit odd to me.
I can see the logic of creating a 'ruling' majority group - and a coalition between the Lib Dems and the Powys Independents has the numbers to create that. The next logical step would be to change the constitution from the current 'Board' system, where all groups are represented on the Executive Board to a 'Cabinet' system where only the ruling group is represented in the Cabinet. But Edna tells me that there is no intention of making this constitutional change. Most odd. They seem to be creating a majority coalition to take public responsibility for all decision taking, while not changing the disbursement of power at all. On the surface, this looks a good deal for the Conservatives and the Shires Independent Group. Perhaps light will be shed on what's happening in comments.
4 comments:
asa boy from Hay I am glad that ou local conservative no longer has a position at the top table. Very poor representative
Anon - My understanding is that the 'top table' remains in place - which is why its so difficult to understand what this arrangement is all about.
The sooner a proper coalition is formed and the constitution changed to cabinet government the better. At present most councillors can hide behind the present ridiculous situation under which no one has power (most of the time) and no one takes responsibility. The officers love it of course because generally they exercise the real power. It's not democracy in any meaningful sense. I expect the Conservative Group would then be in opposition - but I rather think they would actually be more effective in that role than at present.
I hear it's all falling apart already. But perhaps edna will know more. Better get on the phone Glyn!
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