Councillor blasts the 'no shows' at council meetings 27/07/09

Conservative councillor Alan Dobbie (Noel Park) has this week blasted Haringey Lib Dems for their poor attendance record at council meetings. At the last Full Council held on Monday, 21st July, 4 Lib Dems failed to turn up at all and a 5th left halfway through. The 'No-shows' were Cllrs. Ed Butcher, Sheila Rainger, Neil Williams, Dave Winsksill. These meetings only take every other *month, so it's not an onerous responsibility, claimed Cllr. Dobbie.

The very next day, only 1 Lib Dem (Cllr. Wilson) attended the council's Cabinet meeting--and left as Tottenham and Wood Green issues were being debated. That meeting covered issues ranging from CPZ consultations and community centre provision to Haringey Labour's controversial decision to lift its own ban on animal performances in the borough.

Cllr. Dobbie commented: "The Labour majority on the Council is now even smaller, so there will be opportunities for Conservatives and Lib Dems to vote together and stand up for common sense. But that requires every Lib Dem councillor to take their responsibility to the electorate seriously and bother to turn up for every full council meeting. I challenge them to turn out in full at October's meeting. The Lib Dems may be the 'official' opposition, but after 11 years on Haringey council, they have yet to demonstrate that they have what it takes to run this borough. People are now judging the Conservatives to be the effective opposition''

Notes to Editors:

1) Cllr Dobbie asked two questions at Full Council - one in support of the deputation from Haringey Leaseholders' Group; the other to the Leader on failing to take regeneration seriously in the borough.

2) At Cabinet, he spoke to oppose lifting the ban of live animals performing at circuses in Haringey (full press release to follow)
 
* The next 'Full' Council meeting will take place in October due to Members' recess
 
ENDs.