Co-option stained by party manilpulation
YOUR Crow Comment column last week suggests that a secret ballot over the election of a co-opted member to Royston Town Council seemed undesirable. Quite the opposite is the case. It wasn t the case of councillors having anything to hide, but a way of t
YOUR Crow Comment column last week suggests that a secret ballot over the election of a co-opted member to Royston Town Council seemed undesirable.
Quite the opposite is the case.
It wasn't the case of councillors having anything to hide, but a way of teasing out votes from members to support their choice of candidate rather than simply toe the party line.
The secret ballot gave members of the virtually one-party state we know as the town council to put the community above politics.
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As the result shows this was not the case and once again we have a decision which has been stained by party manipulation.
The procedure for voting needs to be questioned, too. The rules outlined to the candidates were actually changed on the evening in a move seemingly designed to prevent any other candidate standing against the one chosen by the Conservatives.
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At least some councillors did stand up and be counted in an attempt to keep the integrity of the town council.
The town council needs to adopt a policy to be enshrined in its standing orders over the co-opting of members so that everyone involved is aware of the procedure.
LES BAKER
Kneesworth Street
Royston
