My local weekly, the Montgomeryshire County Times has an irreverent 'Nelson's Column'. This week 'Nelson' has given us an insight into the problems faced by new councillors in trying to agree a Cabinet to run Powys County Council.
"There are several problems with forming an actual working majority to run the Council. The 48 Independents split into two groups, the 'Shires' Independents and the Powys Independents. The actual policy differences between them isn't clear, and to be frank its difficult to find anyone who can tell you otherwise. There are numerous councillors in both groups who are well known to have an allegiance to a mainstream political party but bizarrely refuse to stand on that platform. The upshot is that we now have two 'independent' groups who refuse to work with each other. The Lib Dems who refuse to work with anyone (they've probably had enough public flogging for one decade) and Labour and the Tories (like children not trusted by their parents) who are not allowed to work together".
Nelson was very well briefed on what's been happening behind the scenes. In the end what happened was that the Leader of the smaller 'Independent' group, David Jones was elected Leader of the Council by 36 votes to 34. He was backed by the Tories, Labour and his own group. The Powys Independent Leader, Michael Jones, was backed by the Lib Dems (who had previously made clear they were going to sit on their hands) and his own group (best guess - secret ballot). I'm told that the Powys Independents were shocked after ruling the roost for so long that several of thier members broke down in tears at such seismic change. To the outside word Powys is still run by an Independent named 'Jones' - but inside the Council we've just witnessed a revolution.
It seems that the new Leader intends to choose his entire Cabinet form his own group (or cllrs ship-jumping from other groups)- which has led cllr, Gareth Ratcliffe to jump the Tory ship just a week after being elected as a Tory - which should lead to some blue disgruntlement down in the South of Powys. Updates as and when.
6 comments:
I think there may be a couple of appointments from outside the group. Prob two from the PIAs
I understand that two PIA members could be bought in.
Anons - I think one Powys Independent and one Conservative are leaving their groups to become non-aligned in order to take Cabinet places.
I don't think they'll be any disgruntlement from B & R to be honest Glyn. Your giving too much credit, they won't learn lessons from this, the association is not like the association in Montgomeryshire, never has been and I suspect in my humble opinion never will be. I think you'll find its 2 pia's and Gareth. I'm fairly certain I could name all 10 cabinet members if I had to and I'm sure you could as well.
Anyone leaving their group for personal profit does not deserve to be a Councillor let alone a 'minister'. This administration will demean itself before it starts if what you suggest goes ahead. Sadly, though, I feel you're right.
That's one of the prices paid for having 'Independents', as if anyone is completely non-aligned or apolitical. Or are we supposed to believe that party political allegiances will be left outside the council chamber?
But if these people are genuinely independent-minded individuals, how can they form - and act as - a political group? It's nonsense. It demeans the political process and insults the electorate.
A little more honesty in local government might help restore public faith; increase turnout; and result in fewer 'returned unopposed'.
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