Time for resignations (Bromley Borough Liberal Democrats)

Bromley Borough Liberal Democrats <info@bromleylibdems.org.uk>

Time for resignations

February 2, 2004 10:46 AM

Bromley's Liberal Democrat Greater London Assembly candidate has slammed a group of Labour councillors for failing to represent their constituents, and has called for resignations. At the meeting of Bromley Council on 26 January 3 Labour councillors were notable by their absence for the evening : Colin Willetts of Cray Valley West, Peter Fookes of Penge and Cator and Karen Roberts also of Penge and Cator. Mr Borrowman said "There are Labour councillors who are clearly working hard for their constituents, turning up at meetings and taking part; but they need to deal with their underperforming colleagues."

Top of Mr Borrowman's hit list is Cray Valley West councillor Colin Willets. Mr Borrowman said, "Even when Cllr Willetts does show up he doesn't make a meaningful contribution to council meetings. I've hardly heard him speak all year."

At one council meeting lasting over 3 hours in 2003 Mr Borrowman timed Cllr Willets as being present in the Council chamber for an appalling 23 minutes - during which time he didn't speak or vote. Mr Borrowman did however go outside and see Cllr Willetts in the council bar on more than one occassion.

At the recent meeting that decided on the future of troubled council leader Russell Mellor, it was only Cllr Willetts deciding to come in to the room, but then not bothering to vote that saved the Tory leader.

Second on Mr Borrowman's hit list are Penge and Cator Labour councillors Peter Fookes and Karen Roberts.

Of the 10 council meetings in 2002/3 Peter Fookes scored an attendance record of a mere 3/10 and Karen Roberts scored 5/10. Mr Borrowman said "The Council meeting on 7 July 2003 had these councillors attendance figures reported to it, but they are still failing to turn up. If a child in a borough school played truant this much they would be excluded."