Well our own democracy is hardly a shining example

3 Comments

1. Cllr John Ward says:

   Friday 16th November 2007 at 13:46

   There are lots of things wrong with our democracy, in particular the inconsistencies between different tiers of government.

   For example: our Cabinet meets in open (i.e. public) session — apart from those few items that have to be in closed session (e.g. when contractors’ commercial data would need to be discussed). However, central government’s Cabinet meets behind closed doors, always.

   Another thing: hospitality rules mean that local councillors cannot receive gifts worth more than £25, either individually or when totalled-up over a year. I leave it as an exercise for the reader to check out what the equivalent amount is for an MP — you wouldn’t believe the sheer size of the disparity if I were to tell you!

   The Councillors’ Code of Conduct and other such rules are also considerably tighter than the equivalents (where they even exist) for MPs.

   Now, I have no problem with what is imposed on us here. What I find of concern is that those who have made these stipulations do not themselves abide by the same rules — and that makes national gov’t the weakest link. Anne Robinson would no doubt say “goodbye” to the whole lot!

   Actually, the European “gravy train” is apparently even worse, for which read Dan Hannan’s website and his regular writings in The Daily Telegraph, where he has revealed some even more worrying aspects of the large, not-very-accountable government structure known as the European Parliament and all that surrounds it.

   I think I’ll stay here as a lowly local Councillor: at least I shall know that, for all its undoubted faults, our set-up is as clean and as good an example as one could reasonably expect. Long may it remain so!
2. Alan Collins says:

   Friday 16th November 2007 at 17:01

   Indeed the Councillors’ Code of Conduct is considerably tighter – and we here in Medway have even been provided with proof that the Code is enforced.

   I am also concernced about the hypocrosy of MPs of all sides and how snobbish a worrying number of MPs like to be, despite the fact only a few of them have any real power.

   Of particular note is the ability to “push in” in the canteen at Westminster, in front of other “lesser” staff – and fully support Early Day Motion 2066 Priority Access to Facilities and commend all those, including Mr Paul Clark, who have signed it.
3. Cllr John Ward says:

   Monday 19th November 2007 at 22:38

   You are right about the enforcement of the Code of Conduct.

   The only concern here is that, if under the new arrangements we suffer as much politically-motivated spurious complaining as the Standards Board for England (SBE)have done — and bearing in mind that this will all have to be paid for out of the Council Tax — it is going to be rather expensive!

   The SBE situation has been widely reported upon in the national media, and indeed I suffered an example of it myself — SEE HERE.

   I for one agree with the Early Day Motion you mention, and am pleased that Paul Clark MP’s hand injuries had recovered sufficiently by then that he was able to sign it — well done to him!

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