Open debate and democracy dead in the water, says Lambert

Councillor Colin Lambert

Labour councillor Colin Lambert has criticised the ruling Liberal Democrat group on Rochdale Council ahead of tonight's full council meeting for leaving debate and democracy "dead in the water" following a news release that makes it clear the Liberal Democrats have already made their minds up how to vote before an important debate on congestion charging.

Councillor Lambert says: "The debate on congestion charging at Rochdale Council tonight, Wednesday 6 February, has been pre-decided and announced in a news release by Rochdale Liberal Democrats; even before an open debate they have decided how they will vote, having announced that they will vote against the motion. They appear to have imposed the whip on all their councillors.
 
"It will be interesting to hear how the two Lib Dems on Heywood Township explain their change of mind given that they have previously voted at Heywood Township not to support congestion charging. Also interesting will be the vote of Middleton Lib Dem Irene Cooper.
 
"There are many unexplained points which arise from the issue of congestion charging and I would have hoped for a more honest and open debate, especially given that previous requests for a debate and vote in the full council have been denied.
 
"This confirms that the Lib Dems have not listened to any concerns, and will vote without listening to the debate or to people’s fears."

The Lib Dem news release, which also calls for the resignation of Labour Group leader Allen Brett, reads:

"The Liberal Democrats, who control Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council have vowed to vote against a Labour motion that will '…oppose the introduction of congestion charging as part of the implementation of a successful TIF bid.' 

"It threatens to be a controversial issue because directly before the meeting – the Labour Chairman of the GMPTA – Councillor Roger Jones will address Councillors on the benefits to the Borough of the TIF Bid.  This is despite his deputy on the influential transport committee – Councillor Allen Brett being the leader of the very same Labour Party pressing ahead with this motion.  This means that Councillor Jones will go ‘head to head’ with Councillor Allen Brett and Rochdale’s Labour Party in a bid to ensure unity ahead of the expected Government announcement.

"Councillor Allen Brett’s Ward Colleague in Balderstone and Kirkholt – Councillor Dale Mulgrew has slammed the Labour Party saying: 'This motion is no great surprise and we will be opposing this at the meeting.  The fact is that we are committed to this bid that will see significant investment in transport in our Borough.  I am surprised that the Labour Group – led by the Deputy Chair of the GMPTA – Councillor Allen Brett has put this motion forward.  In the light of this motion – I think that Councillor Allen Brett’s job is untenable and he should resign immediately.  This attempt to derail the TIF Bid is hugely embarrassing for the Labour Leadership across Greater Manchester.  If Councillor Brett cannot even persuade his own group members of the benefits of the TIF Bid then he should look at his own role.'"