Tories strip opponents of key votes (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Tories strip opponents of key votes

2:33pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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BURY'S ruling Tories have decided to strip opponents of their votes on the council's most important committee.

Their first action since taking power at the local elections is to set up a one-party decision-making executive, with Labour and the Liberal Democrats reduced to co-opted status.

And they will also replace Bury's two representatives on the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (PTA) - both Lib Dems - with Conservatives.

Labour had accused the Tories of giving the Lib Dems those seats last year in return for the Liberals allowing them to rule what was then a hung council.

"Things have changed because we are in outright control," said Coun Bibby.

"Last year, I had to tread very carefully because I didn't have overall control. We can now put more Tory policies forward which I hope will be to the benefit of the community, and I hope people will appreciate these changes and see it in the council tax and the way the council is run."

In 2000, Bury scrapped the old committees (housing, social services etc) and put all major decisions in the hands of an executive.

Until now, this has comprised eight members from the ruling group, plus two opposition members who, although without portfolio, had a vote.

Now, Coun Bibby says the executive will comprise ten of his members with a vote.

Labour and the Lib Dems will be offered one - non-voting, co-opted - place each, and it was "up to them" if they accepted. Unlike other committees, such as scrutiny panels and planning, the executive does not have to be politically balanced.

"We need to reduce the workload on existing portfolio holders," he said, justifying the decision to spread the work across ten of his members rather than eight.

On taking the PTA posts, Coun Bibby said: "The council had to carry on running. I was happy that the Lib Dems were not destructive to the recommendations of the Tory group, and I appreciate that: unlike Labour, who caused difficulties on everything.

"There are no sinister reasons whatsoever. I thought that my group deserved those places. It's going to be a difficult year for the PTA, with congestion charging and the appointment of a new chairman, and I want to keep a closer watch on it."

The appointments are due to be confirmed at next Wednesday's annual council meeting.

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