I’m back from an obscure council body called the Constitution Working Group, on which I’ve been sitting for a couple of years (along with colleagues Monica and Ron).The meetings of this body are often rather tetchy, and they certainly were tonight. At stake this time is the fundamental structure of the Council as the (Labour) government tries to push councils (like Labour Haringey) towards a Mayoral system.
Essentially, the Council is being forced to consult on the issue in the coming months, in time for the local elections in 2010, so that (at least in theory) we could have a Mayoral system by then.
It became rather heated, as it was clear that the Council hadn’t allowed for the possibility of a referendum on the issue, which the new legislation permits, and local people may demand. Also, they wouldn’t commit to abiding by the outcome of the consultation, even though the only question that can reasonably be posed is: “do you want this new system or do you want to keep the old system”.
Of course I’m not surprised, as Haringey Labour will always try to do what any self-perpetuating oligarchy always does - whatever suits them. Whether they get away with it remains to be seen. We even had a rather farcical interlude when they claimed they had allowed for a referendum all along.
It’s clear to me that we need three things right away; the widest possible public consultation, a commitment to abide by the outcome, and to embrace the concept of a referendum if that's what local people want – especially if Labour tries to pull a fast one on the consultation results. If we have a consultation where Labour ignores the result, then I would predict that all hell will break loose.
In the midst of it, all, I have to say the new council leader Claire Kober, was very, very difficult. I can pay Claire the compliment of saying that when she was elected, I thought she wouldn’t be too bad in this regard - but she is very, very bad. Claire doesn’t take kindly to the mildest debate or questioning about the Council’s proposals.
In the midst of it, all, I have to say the new council leader Claire Kober, was very, very difficult. I can pay Claire the compliment of saying that when she was elected, I thought she wouldn’t be too bad in this regard - but she is very, very bad. Claire doesn’t take kindly to the mildest debate or questioning about the Council’s proposals.
This is an important issue, and Haringey residents are going to decide it as far as I’m concerned.
1 comments:
disgusting, sooner we get them out- the better!
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