"What's wrong with Bromley's schools?" Lib Dem asks Tory

6.10.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 18th Aug 2009

Bromley's Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr David McBride has said that the flurry of activity surrounding the Council's policy on using schools money to fund places at private schools is an "embarrassing fiasco" for the local Tories, who in turn have, once again, forced Conservative Central Office to intervene in a local policy matter.

"When this story first appeared a week ago I said that it was a kick in the teeth for Bromley's schools and teachers when a senior Conservative councillor in the Council's Administration was worried about sending children to some schools," said Cllr David McBride. "Cllr Morgan has been quoted as saying that 'most of the desirable schools in Bromley are full.' If he thinks that some schools in Bromley are less than desirable he should name them now," he added.

Cllr David McBride also ridiculed the speed at which the Tory administration has backtracked over the issue. "This morning the issue was being considered and two hours later the Leader of the Council stated that it would not happen. Cllr Morgan's question was asked weeks ago, so the embarrassment this episode has caused the Tories must have quickened that decision forcing them to dismiss the idea today. The Tory Leaders must have very red faces tonight as they have been hugely embarrassed by a very senior member of their administration."