Attack on Democracy by Conservative-run Essex County Council

At today's meeting of the Full Council at Essex County Council, the ruling Conservatives rejected a whole series of proposals to open up the council and engage with the public. They -

• voted down a Liberal Democrat motion on opening up the decision-making process;
• voted down a motion to allow local Councillors to have more say over Highways repairs in their area;
• amended council rules to limit Opposition Councillors from challenging them in future [by limiting the number of motions they can table at future council meetings];
• refused to even consider a motion about switching off street lights.

Commented Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Mike Mackrory :

"On issue after issue Essex Conservatives demonstrated contempt for the public of Essex and their elected representatives. It is that attitude of secrecy and arrogance that led to the Lord Hanningfield expenses scandal, which they have still not resolved."

Cllr Stephen Robinson added :

"They even complained that a member of the public recorded the meeting, and they continue to oppose allowing the public to speak at council meetings, which I proposed at the last meeting."