Unreliable Notes from the night Labour gained control of Thanet Council

This is my personal view of the night Labour gained control of Thanet Council, made more unreliable, in that my smartphone didn't save the notes, from the first half of the meeting, so I'll go big on atmosphere and er backdrop.

I left early for last night's council meeting thinking everyone knew that Labour would be taking the reigns of power, that is except for Cllr. Clive Hart who apparently didn't, and claimed he didn't think he would be getting the support of Cllr Worrow toward the end of the meeting, even though its likely everyone else thought he would be doing the dirty, to his former colleagues, that is voting against his former Leader Cllr Bob Bayford, anyhow as I parked the car , the Harts strolled past, I'm not sure they saw me, because I'm sure Clive & Sandra would have given me a smile and a wave.

Shared the lift up to the council chamber with Cllr Driver, didn't seem he was in any mood for chit chat particularly not since my conversation with him over that publicity stunt at the Turner Contemporary, when his Labour membership was not clear, still it good to see that he still has a home with Labour particularly after all that independent talk earlier in the year.

I must say things were crowded in the public gallery, good to see, fellow bloggers James Maskell, and Luke Edwards, taking an interest, in addition to a couple of proper bods from the Gazette.

Still although change was obviously on the way, the atmosphere was fairly muted, I guess the Tory group dreading losing and the Labour lot dreading winning, since they'll have to put their money where their mouth is.

Mention was made of Conservative Cllr Simon Moores being on his way back from Amsterdam or somewhere similar, a quick metal image formed of Thanet's most qualified, strapping himself into a cessna and battling the elements in what would have been a futile effort to save the day.

In my view it didn't take long for Labour gloom to pervade the atmosphere of the Chamber, particularly , with our new leader quickly adopting the victim role for Thanet with mentions of the area being badly treated and injustice, lets hope things lighten up.

Still I can't help thinking that, the next few years will be dominated by political minows, chopping and changing, I still have difficulty with councillors who jump ship, I'm fairly sure I could ingratiate myself with either Labour or the Tories, and get elected but having always been a Liberal it would be just like asking Mrs Me to swap her Chelsea season ticket for blimin Arsenal, it aint going to happen.

Not sure how little old ladies of Birchington South will take to the news that two councillors Worrow and Cohen are voting with Labour, or indeed just how shallow Cllr Worrows allegiance to his colleagues in the conservative party.
Still Worrow has got support for his free parking in Birchington, campaign, which I dare say his constituents will need once Labour start jacking up council tax.

Anyway Good Luck to Cllr Clive Hart lets hope he can do a better job running the council than has done with Labour, who might well of won the district elections, had it not been for that unseemly business of removing Mark Nottingham, or fighting against social housing and lets not forget jobs.

Finally it was good to see that the temperamental sound system was working, although the timer isn't however, a lashed up system was created courtesy of www.online-stopwatch.com a laptop and projector.

LABOUR SHOCK- As Clive Hart finds something positive to say

How pleasing to find local Labour actually has something positive to say, god knows we've heard enough doom and gloom from leader Cllr Clive Hart over the last few years, it sounds to me, as if, when he's not moaning about Cliftonville, he's done pretty much as is possible to dampen expectations in Thanet.


So far during his leadership, local Labour has fought against affordable social housing, (someone ought to tell Cllr Matterface who seemed unaware in last weeks Gazette), fighting jobs in a shabby U turn on Manston, fighting inward investment for new upgraded rail infrastructure, including a new "Parkway" Station which could help cut journey times to around an hour from London, simply I suspect because they don't have the nous to understand the psychological or marketing boast that it would give the area.


Well anyway Clive has made an rare and upbeat comment of sorts concerning lottery funding for the Dreamland site, starting with "good news" in the first sentence, a tad negative in the second half " empty for far to long" followed by "Dreamland has blighted the town since......."


It's a start.


Anyway its good not to hear of down and outs living in Cliftonville, dumping grounds, references to pedophiles or indeed smelly seaweed. Well done to Clive for trying.

Clive Hart demands apology? but has yet to say sorry to his constituents for vigilante scare?

You couldn't make it up! as Cllr Clive Hart (Leader Thanet Labour) might say, in response to recent remarks Labour made, seemingly worrying up a storm over crime in Margate and now subsequently demanding that  Laura Sandys MP apologise, for  what I'd presume was a hasty response and an inadvertent mistake, to somewhat ludicrous remarks made by Clive Hart and colleagues, that they  "..have serious concerns that decent local people could take matters into their own hands. " referring to local crime, with the obvious implication that residents, were so witless, that they were about to take the law into their own hands, based presumably on Clive Hart's wildest expectations.

Clive Hart why don't you apologise for your orginal insulting and potentially inflammatory claim. It's maybe time for a bit of maturity from Labour, obviously Laura Sandy's remark, was from someone,  who has a bit more to deal, with than Labour's endless photo opportunities. I have no doubt that Clive Hart and his colleagues were endeavoring to create political capital out of a sensitive issue, which since the public are a little smarter than they might give credit, has clearly backfired on Labour.

Labour "No Comment" on Manston - It's just not politics!

Labour recently issued a briefing concerning, Manston, written by the esteemed local leader Clive Hart, the casual observer might think that the great man is not being as open as he could be, when he writes  "The proposed night-time flying policy may well become the subject of a planning application and therefore it would be inappropriate for any councillor to comment further at this time.

Some might even be unkind enough to speculate that "local" Labour are just seeing which way the wind is blowing, certainly at one time only Cllr David and Cllr Elizabeth Green opposed expansion of operations at Manston, however prior to the last local elections, Labour in Thanet took an anti jobs line against Manston, possibly having taken a cold calculation, that young people don't vote but nimbys do.

Still in the interest of enlightenment unfortunately it is true that, politicians are restricted in what they can say due to the previous Labour government introducing draconian measures, in local government, basically, showing complete contempt for democracy, the previous Labour government decreed that a politician was not allowed to discuss issues in public that they might later debate or vote on in council.

I'm sure you'll think I'm making this up, but read this from a Tory website , I understand that the coalition government will be soon reform this Labour nonsense and then Clive Hart can say what he wants, when he wants just like you and I. Many will have witnessed the waste of money as cretinous councillors up and down the country, have taken political apponents to task through "standards boards" hopfully once this is resolved we know where our politicians stand on issues other than re-election.

Driving home my point

Sorry to visit old ground but a quick glance through the letters page of the Isle of Thanet Gazette this week (something which might not be possible for much longer) and wallop there’s Labour bod, Cllr Ian Driver exuding indignation, not miffed! nor perturbed! that would be too mild, no the poor gent is positively “SHOCKED and appalled”. Crikey!

Why? because Cllr Bob Bayford had the temerity to ignore requests to speak at the recent animal export protest, now I don’t know why this is so upsetting for Cllr Driver however from his letter I’d guess if his feelings were to be measured, on the scale of botheration, he must be somewhere between incandescent rage and explosion, rather than just flustered.

Personally I’d see an invitation to speak, at such a rally, as posturing by Cllr Driver loaded with political complications, which certainly appears to be the case given his revelations and clear sensitivity.

One might ask the question of any of Labours “Old boys” why is Cllr Driver not making a big issue about Clive Hart who I understand did not attend? Did Cllr David Green speak (Mayor of Ramsgate?)

As I may have suggested it seems Labour have hijacked an issue which is naturally upsetting. It looks like “labour activists” are milking this for all its worth, Cllr Jennifer Matterface , lets us know that “several Labour councillors including myself were there” referring to the protest (big deal).

I think that someone in Labour ought to name and proclaim all those wonderful heroic Labour members who clearly care more than the rest of us, perhaps the flippin pope could have them sainted or whatever the term is.

Or maybe they should get a sense or proportion, I remember some time ago posting about people trafficking in the sex industry and newspapers accepting advertising, it seemed understandable that few wished to comment on such a wretched matter.

I think for Labour activist to manipulate the issue of animal welfare, is despicable, maybe Cllr Clive Hart could give us the official Labour line, does he support this sort of line of attack. Yes or No?

It makes you wonder, what sort of group Labour is becoming, earlier in the year we had the surprise of Mark Nottingham being deselected in the Northwood Ward accompanied by some controversy with Labour “old boys”  keeping very quite on the subject (perhaps with a mind on cllrs allowances), anyhow up pops Cllr Ian Driver.

Anyway I cordially invite* Cllr Ian Driver, Cllr Clive Hart and what the heck Cllr Jennifer Matterface to submit their comments, on this blog posting and if I don’t receive a reply I shall promise not to be unperturbed, uninterested, unaffected,  no .. no I shall be wound up, er furious and blimin upset… no thats not strong enough I shall be “SHOCKED and appalled”.

* I will email a link and no doubt, expect Cllr Driver to offer a prompt and courteous account of why he expects others to jump when he corresponds. I’m sure Cllr. Clive Hart and Cllr. Matterface will also be compelled to reply considering my request anything but autocratic arrogant and designed to make them look bad. emails despatched between 13:21-22

Surely not

It seems to be taking an inordinate time for local councillors to agree on what sort of council, we will be getting, a clue as to what is going on comes from twittering Clive Hart (Thanet Labour), who failed along with his comrades to take control of the council, despite dragging in help from outside and trawling through the digital dustbin that is Facebook for dirt.

Its an uncertain world and my view is that the next four years will be a complete dogs breakfast of bitter rivalry, petty political point scoring, backstabbing and wasted opportunity etc., so business as usual.

 

It remains to be seen if former councillor, Mark Nottingham gets a chance to throw a spanner in the works and get Clive Hart and his pals to justify his somewhat contentious removal from Thanet Labour Party.

If anyone has insight on the wheeling and dealing don't hold back ( within reason). I just hope that should Clive Hart form the next administration someone leads it back from his parties recent swing to the right, which has seen Labour fight against social housing and job opportunities.

Whatever we end up I hope the new council will be strong enough to lead rather than be advised by "Officers".

Silence of the editors as Clive wins what? Hollow victory? His own way? Another term as opposition leader?

I doubt Thanet has ever witnessed such a contentious political outcome as the news that last night Cllr Mark Nottingham, was suspended for 2 months from Thanet Labour group, those of you, who have taken the trouble to plough through the evidence and accusations in this case might, well be surprised to learn, that unlike last night's Labour group meeting, you will have probably given more time, to assess the situation concern Labours choice for Northwood than the Labour group was allowed last night.

It seems, in a Labour group lead by Clive Hart and his mates, the last thing they need is an open and full enquiry into any suggestions of gerrymandering,  Labour has with last night's decision lost any credibility or moral authority in my opinion and to me the idea that Cllr Mark Nottingham, has in revealing the machinations, bought the Labour Party in to disrepute is bonkers!

As I understand it Mark Nottingham is to be commended for "whistleblowing", and it's clear to me, that Clive Hart could have done more and didn't.

I imagine Clive will be like a dog with two appendages for a day or so, until he realises that failure to examine in a open manner the Northwood selection process will not enhance his or Thanet Labours standing in the broader community.

Still whilst Cllr Mark Nottingham is to be commended, the lack of coverage by local newspapers is a disgrace, I don't think either the Gazette, Times, Yourthanet or Thanet Extra did any sort of job on this, local papers are part of local democracy, editors please report it.

Labour can they sort out Northwood mess

Arriving home tonight I was just thinking that it had gone quiet on the Cllr Mark Nottingham  de-selection issue but it seems that this is not quite the case as documents, which I understand will be referred to tomorrow night, happened to drift into my inbox.

As I understand it, Labour party members, will be meeting to discuss whether or not Mark Nottingham has somehow brought the party into disrepute , I have to say this sounds a bit far-fetched since my impression of Mark is one of a rather puritanical practitioner of labour politics, basically its a choice between Kay Dark, with Labour Party's old boys and hard working Cllr Nottingham with honest commitment.

It will be of some interest to see if Clive Hart can justify, his position or credibility and convince anyone other that himself and pals have acted in a fair manner with regard to the selection process in the Northwood Ward, I myself am in no doubt that Mark is indeed a hard-working conscientious political activist, an asset to any party, it's just a pity he supports Labour and not the more inclusive Liberal Democrats.

Labour activists should be worried in as much as it looks as if the leadership have boxed themselves into a corner and I'm not quite sure how they will get out of it since Clive Hart told everyone that he would resign if Mark Nottingham were he to remain in the Thanet group, which he has, at this point also it seems clear given the documentary evidence, that he will be found to have acted in the interests of the party.

Whatever your political persuasion it would seem that personal ambition has resulted in a messy diversion from the issues that labour presumably will wish to be pursuing during the forthcoming local council elections.

Anyway, for your enlightenment, read some of the documents that have as I understand been circulated to the Labour party faithful, it will give a clue as to why, Mark is so eager to sort out this.

Anyway some time tomorrow, we will know whether Labour will be going into the May elections with a clean slate, or a lot of excess baggage.

Labour Disturbs the Sunday ambiance

Thank god I was busy building railways yesterday, otherwise a peaceful Sunday would have been disturbed by the dull thud of Labour propaganda which on its own I can take, however its the hypocrisy, no mention of Labour's attack on job creation, improved  infrastructure, social housing or even more remarkable de-selecting one of their ablest councillors.

Still most disappointing is Clive Harts waffle at the back of their pre-election leaflet no mention of accusations made about his competence to lead even more remarkable he makes no mention of his offer to resign as leader.

Can you trust Thanet Labour, I don't think so. Cllr Sandra Hart also thanks all residents who've contacted her and I thought she had the hump when I received this comment referring to myself from Clive's Mrs "I am very upset that you have decided to take such a negative attitude towards my work in Dane Valley.

All I did was raise a public safety concern, and point out Sandra Hart's lack of a response.

Fragments - Cllr. Clive Hart meets with Alan Poole Chair South Thanet Labour

According to a  fragment of info,  on Clive Harts Twitter, Labour top bods had a meeting, and that's the wonder of twitter, little detail but broad brush strokes.

Just what did they discuss, exit strategy, regime change, the May elections, sometimes more is less and less can be more, anyway answers on a postcard to the usual address.

How Thanet Labour could resolve de selection dispute

I read over the weekend, Chairman of South Thanet Labour party Alan Poole's, response to recent allegations by Mark Nottingham, in his letter published in last Friday's Gazette. Surprisingly rather than taking, a neutral stance, Cllr Poole's, letter seems to be in line with what Mark's reacted to.

Alan Poole is claiming to be investigating complaints about Cllr Mark Nottingham, although for some reason he simply dismisses claims made by Nottingham that events around his de-selection, where not as open as one might expect.

It really is quite simple for Cllr Poole to resolve this issue and save Clive Hart from resignation, just publishing evidence from Labour party investigations proving Cllr Nottingham wrong.

Local Labour led by Cllr Clive Hart seems to do just about everything it can to alienate its traditional voters, it seems under Hart, traditional goals like provision of social housing or encouraging investment and jobs no longer concern Labour, since he and his front bench have spoken against.

Labour have scoured a succession of own goals fought social housing, attacked inward investment, improved infrastructure and job creation, the latest own goal and best is Clive Hart offering to resign if certain criteria are not met and then apparently going back on his word.

If Clive Hart does not resign, in the May council elections who is going to believe any election promises from Labour. Simply put how can you trust a Leader who cannot stand by his commitments.

If only I had something worth twittering

I'm filled with admiration, every time I take a gander at Cllr Clive Harts (local Labour leader) twitter stream, if only I had such an eventful life, certainly rarely anything as exciting as todays  "Morning in office - TDC budget. Also helped Salmestone councillors with their ward newsletter. Afternoon meeting with UNITE representatives." or yesterdays which included this phrase "Pulled myself together "

So hopefully coming soon to the world of micro blogging will be Cllr Clive Hart saying something like this on twitter " Having pulled self together, met Northwood councillors, apologised, resigned, went for a swim.

I'm not sure " My day - shower, WORK, read papers, thought a bit, HOME big cat poo mid-carpet cowpat? Crikey! MR PUSS! dinner blogged a bit, went to bed" would be as inspirational. That's why I generally use it just for notification purposes that I posted another long winded blog.

Still with twitter you can, sort of fill in the gaps, however the most intriguing thing with Clive's micro blog is what he doesn't touch on, like that "resignation" or indeed publishing something which refutes his comrades accusations?

A Quick Comment on Local Labour

I was going to give a long ponderous opinion on the de-selection of Cllr Mark Nottingham as a Labour candidate, however as I said last night Labour are digging a big hole, it seems to me to be a big ask, even from Clive Hart to suggest than Mark Nottingham has not been a hard working representative for Northwood also Cllr Clive Hart must explain why he has not followed through with his pledge to resign.

Also bewildered Labour party members must be asking what sort of strategy or thinking Clive Hart is following for the May council elections by dropping one of his teams stronger and more able members?

Still if you have any ideas?

LABOUR LEADER CLIVE HART STAYS PUT–DESPITE PLEGE TO RESIGN!

Those who might have expected Labour Fireworks after Mark Nottingham's exposé of just how democratic and equitable things are in Clive Hart's Local Labour have been dealt  a blow with the realisation, that not only is this turning out more a damp squib  but despite Cllr Clive Hart's pledge or promise, to resign he hasn't and I doubt personally he will.

 

Politicians are only human and frankly the further down the food chain, like here in Thanet, that is more apparent, however, Mark has suggested a less than level selection procedure in Thanet Labour which has apparently resulted in his being deselected for May's local elections. Now you only have to look at many candidates and councillors to realise that the gene pool is not that strong as far as competent people fit to run the council is concerned.

 

So looking at Mark Nottingham with even the most cursory knowledge of local politics and his background, its clear that as a respected councillor and Labour party member, in what crazy circumstances would he not be selected?

 

Now coming back to Clive Hart, he is of course as good as any, in presenting and arguing the Labour party agenda, in Thanet council, but surely has no authority having said he would resign following Mark's revelations, "I am a team player and always have been.  However, I simply refuse to be the leader of a group with a member who behaves in the manner of Mark Nottingham." Mark is still a member of the group following on from Thursday's Labour group meeting.

 

Thursdays meeting did not remove Mark from the party so when exactly is he going to stand down, as he said he would, even in yesterdays Gazette he is reported to have said "Having a member saying the things Mark says makes my position as leader of the group untenable."

 

Still taking a gander at Clive's twitter stream nothing seems to perturb him including Pfizer's closure and his own promise/pledge to resign.

Clive Hart's Local Labour accused of something nasty

God knows politicians, are only human but having a quick read of Cllr Mark Nottingham's account of Cllr Clive Hart's (Local Labour Leader) role, in Mark being de-selected from Northwood Ward and subsequent investigation, leaves a smell more offensive, than the mess I just cleared up left by the family cat, (Mr Puss has no finesse).

Mark's post, is one that needs careful reading but a cursory glance would suggest that Clive Hart and other members of Thanet's Labour party, ought to resign assuming Mark's account is true, which since I understand, it is well documented, I have little reason to doubt.

Local Democracy we deserve better

before reading this please note these are my personal views and may contain error  and also I 'm bloody fuming that Thanet council has no provision for allowing members of the public to exit the council offices DESPITE HAVE WRITTEN TO RICHARD SAMUEL BEFORE ON THE SAME SUBJECT

Stupidly I've always held the view that we the public ought to support democracy by a) voting in local elections and b) getting involved.

I do both to some extent, however tonight forget the involved bit, tonight's council meeting was, the part i witnessed a complete and utter farce.

At the opening of the meeting it was made abundantly clear that the council (the ruling tory group) had decided to take Montefiore Tennis court off the councils asset disposal list.
In any sane world a bit of clarification and everyone would have past on to the next item, however this didn't allow for Labours self serving stupidity. Firstly a motion was voted by a show of hands this was in favour of not debating item 10 "This council agrees to remove Montefiore Games Centre (Tennis courts) from asset disposal register" since as council leader Bob Bayford had agreed not to, this was too easy for Labour they still wished to debate a pointless motion insisting despite a clear show of hands on a recorded vote they clearly lost 18-29.

The agenda item 5b dealing with petition on the same subject all in all this subject was debated and questioned for I would guess one and half hours.

It was a farce of great magnitude, effectively Clive Hart's Labour group managed to steal a defeat from the jaws of victory, had they accepted the conservative leaders genuine withdrawal they could have made capital but decided to put on a show for the supporters gathered together for the occasion .
I may blog on this a bit more but feel free to fill in the detail, Labour looked to me like complete idiots tonight.

FINALY THE DOORS TO THE COUNCIL OFFICES WERE LEFT LOCKED AND UNATTENDED AGAIN – CAN SOMEONE INFORM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE THAT THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD
Having left Cllr Poole in little doubt I was hacked off with Labours performance to his credit, when I went back up to the third floor he was kind enough to travel back down to the entrance and let me out of the building. Well Done Cllr Poole for opening the door, the rest was just politics of the worst sort!

Labour in disarray? And a bit of Clarity from Michael Child

Is it me or are Labour in disarray, on a national level Labour's new union appointee, Ed Milliband, has as yet to impact on any level, OK he nipped off, on, er paternity, and this time got his name on the birth certificate, but you'd think anyone with a bit of ambition or any idea, would have put some sort of stamp on his party as to its direction.

As leader of the opposition, Ed's making some of the Conservative failed opposition leaders, look damned good including Ian Duncan Smith, William Hague, and perhaps the worst even making Labour's most uncharismatic and inept leader Michael Foot, look good, if nothing else these guys had personality.

Labour has been reduced to name calling, the construction of the Con-dem tag is about as good as it gets and of coarse blaming Liberal Democrats for giving the country a stable government, locally I see "Local Labour" run by Cllr Clive Hart, has little to offer although it looks like they managed to send from the Thanet bunker a minor attack* on Tory leader Cllr Bayford.

Apparently from a quick gander, it seems Conservative leader Cllr Bob Bayford might have made a grumpy comment about councillors being elected to make decisions, and Thanet residents lacking basic language skills, no surprise really, a typical offensive Tory view, if true, one might say.

Still as entertaining as it is to read of Bob Bayford's offensive remarks, it hardly contributes to any knowledge as to what Labours own views are on say proposals to tart up Margate seafront.

An item raised on Michael Child's weblog Thanetonline is the near invisible "consultation"  by TDC, on how or what sort of Leader is appointed to run the council, two choices a leader appointed for 4years by councillors or a Mayor elected by we the people.

Imagine the fun, if us mere mortals could vote for a Mayor, you could I guess have Labour's Cllr Clive Hart as Mayor, with a majority tory group, brilliant!

Still whilst we don't know what Local Labour stand for these days. apart from a photo opportunity, and a bit of nimbyism, we do know that a dedicated blogger, like Michael Child does a good job in trawling through the nitty gritty of Thanet Council to bring to light items, the council appear to deliberately wish buried, no press release no mention on their consultation pages and no mention in the local press, or even our local parties Labour and Conservatives

Whether Labour have a mature and business like approach is debatable, still if they want to make any head way in next years local elections or not get trashed, Thanet's Labour group are going to have man up and get a few policies, pointing out rude remarks made by conservatives is not going to get anyone elected.

PS. What's happening with Labours professional politician Cllr Mark Nottingham? He seems quiet on the blogging front.

Through the door - elections start early for labour

And God knows they need to, any how clattering through the letterbox of Flaig mansions, disturbing my afternoon nap, comes an edition of Dane Valley Ward Matters, a piece of propaganda published by Clive Hart's local Labour party although its no surprise given the current state of labour party that the logo is hidden well inside the pamphlet.

Reading it, it appears as they've have done nothing in the last year, for the people of the Dane Valley, or indeed Thanet, not surprisingly Clive Hart on page 3 of this leaflet, does not mention his rather disconcerting effort to attack and stop, the provision of social housing for working people, so much for Labour's honesty and care of us lower orders.

Still the good news is that Cllr Sandra Hart will be joined in her next political fight for the Dane Valley ward by two newcomers and it would be hoped that would enable her to actually respond to e-mails from constituents like mine, see last post, anyhow fortunately local elections are not till May next year and who knows in that time even Thanet Labour, might have developed a social conscience.

Bignews - News Blackout from Clive Hart’s “Local” Labour Bunker?

I happened to be sifting through my email inbox and the thought occurred what ever happened to Thanet Labour supremo Clive Hart’s regular Labour “Press releases” which use to make a break, from all those impertinent emails, offering money making schemes, Russian brides and ones which make insulting personal assumptions, offering suitable chemical cures and equipment.

I then chanced on Michael Child's Thanet Press releases, and a quick nose through this handy local reference, I found myself once again engrossed in the wit and wisdom of Local Labour (like Labour but deeper in denial), I then realised that since I happened not to back err Mrs Hart's campaign in the Dane Valley By-election not entirely because I happen to be a Liberal but probably more to do with Labours move to the right, which saw Labour looking after big business rather than the British people, even in the dying days after Labour had effectively bankrupted the country, Lord Mandelson's rather spiteful attacked your basic freedom to information by introducing the Digital Economy bill which effectively allows spiv's in the music business to disconnect, your internet connection without any right of appeal.

Either beleaguered “Local Labour” are unable to communicate with the outside world or they have instituted tough Stalinist controls on the flow of information, well whatever the reason, it seems to me that Clive Hart's "Local" Thanet Labour party are denying themselves the oxygen of publicity since in the past I've had no problem with publishing the odd statement (it saves a lot of tpying), it's probably all just an oversight, I'm sure Cllr Clive Hart would not be that petty.

The last Thanet Cabinet Meeting I went to, I did note that the Labour shadow team were surprisingly subdued, maybe it was the loss of the general election or the loss of not only a parliamentary seat, but the former occupier Dr Stephen Ladyman, who just like Norman Tebbit's dad, has got on bike (not necessarily metaphorical) and found himself a job, as MD to a company that which builds private care accommodation for the elderly, still many of Labours past, present and future casualties will not be as fortunate.

Just going off at a tangent I was quite impressed with the new leader of the council Cllr Bayford who seemed more relaxed and less combative than his predecessor during the last Cabinet meeting, even offering more cooperation if Labour were interested.

Admittedly I haven't publish everything sent by Labour but currently all I see are anonymous comments from bitter Labour supporters.

Thanet Labour boss issues statement over Chief Executive premature press release

Nothing surprises me any more where the goings on of Thanet council are concerned. I mentioned earlier this week the meeting of TDC’s general purposes committee, which was held in secret.

Its all relatively simple but here in a nutshell is my summary, Donna Reed was after consideration by Chief Exec’s and Council Leaders from Dover, Canterbury and Thanet chosen to be the new Shared Services Director. This then had to be confirmed by elected members of our council after hearing a report to the General Purposes Committee.

For whatever reason, officers advised or insisted that this meeting, be held in secret, although most of the details including approximate salary level had been placed in the public domain.

TDC’s Richard Samuel last week apparently quoted from the report, according to Clive Hart, Thanet’s Labour Leader, in a press release and then argued at the General Purposes meeting details should be kept from the public.

Reading Clive Harts statement its difficult not conclude that dual standards seem to operate at Thanet Council, I sometimes get the impression that the council is run for the convenience of senior officers and the conservative group.

If you feel that’s an exaggeration ask yourself why conservatives councillors and I assume officers have spent large sums of your money drawing up blogging protocols, these people must think we’re all stupid.

Anyhow Clive’s Statement follows (this was lifted from the comments of a earlier posting on the secret meeting):

From Cllr Clive Hart.
Please find below a statement I have made following the Tuesday 8th June General Purposes Committee meeting at TDC.
I want to make it absolutely clear that ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN THE STATEMENT refers to the individual appointed as the Shared Services Director whom I know to be an excellent public servant.
All my comments refer to process:
_________________________
Early Wednesday morning (9th June) I wrote to the Thanet District Council Chief Executive Richard Samuel to FORMALLY COMPLAIN about the press release 'SHARED SERVICES DIRECTOR APPOINTED' published by Thanet District Council on Thursday, 03 June 2010 and the organisation of the General Purposes Committee held on Tuesday, 08 June 2010.

Firstly, the press release announcing who was appointed was published a week before the meeting, yet I understand that the Council's Employment Procedure Rules require Director level appointments to be made at member level and that was the whole purpose of Tuesday's GPC meeting.
I also found it somewhat hypocritical for the Chief Executive to selectively quote matters from the report to the GPC in a premature press release and then to attend the GPC meeting proper to argue that councillors should discuss the whole matter on confidential 'pink paper' in closed session and also exclude the press and the public.

In that quote in the premature press release it was also stated that 'the selection process was extremely tough' when in actual fact the job was only advertised internally within the three East Kent authorities with no external competition whatsoever.

Also, in the quote in the premature press release it said the three council leaders unanimously supported the appointment. The three leaders are all Conservative so there was no political balance whatsoever in that decision.
The GPC meeting was arranged for 5pm in the afternoon. That may be a very nice and convenient ending to the working day for council officers but it proves very difficult for many councillors to attend. My group members had to make significant changes to busy working day schedules and I even had to stand in for a member whose work commitments simply did not allow her to attend at such a time.

In short I would say that the 'man in in the street' would consider this whole matter as a previously 'done deal', rubber stamped behind closed doors, arranged for the benefit and comfort of high-level public sector employees only and supported by one political party only - the Conservative's.

Probably worse still, the appointment will be made at a remuneration level 'artificially' raised through the shared services process in East Kent.

This whole fiasco takes place in the week the Conservative Prime Minister tells us public sector workers have been 'insulated' from the harsh realities of the recession while everyone else was paying the price and that they had got 'way out of step' and needed to be brought back into line with the private sector.

In local government in East Kent it appears there is one rule for the workers and another for senior management".
Cllr Clive Hart.