New Style Leadership (Barnet Borough Liberal Democrats)

Barnet Borough Liberal Democrats <info@barnetlibdems.org.uk>

New Style Leadership

March 26, 2010 12:00 AM
By Cllr Jack Cohen in Hendon Times

The public gallery at the Town Hall was empty for last night's meeting of the "Special Committee (Constitution Review)". The Committee were being asked to consider amongst other things "Review of Delegated Powers Process", "Amending The Council's Financial Regulations", "Contract Procedure Rules" and "Statutory Officer -Scrutiny Officer". The Public don't know what they are missing ! We whipped through these items, which actually are probably very important but it is difficult to get excited. Only time will tell if we did the right thing.

On item did generate discussion. This was "New Executive Arrangements". Subtitled "new style leadership". It was made exquisite by the presence of and sitting next to each other , the current and former leader of the Council.

The Government has introduced new rules which mean the Leader of the Council will be elected for four years, effectively from one local election to the next. But at any time the Council can vote the Leader out. Note the ruling group can no longer remove their leader against their will. Now the potential for mischief in this new rule has no bounds. We explored all the crazy scenarios. What fun could be had if no party has overall control?

So what else? Well according to the rules the Leader remains Council Leader until the Annual Meeting following the local election. It begged the question so I asked it. What if the Leader is not elected? Answer they will still be Leader until a new Leader is elected at the Annual Council Meeting. Begged another question. So I asked it. As the first item at Annual Council is the election of The Mayor will the Leader who is no longer a councillor but still the Leader because a new leader has not yet been elected have a vote in electing the Mayor? Answer, "good question have to go and find out"

The former leader helpfully intervened to enlighten us on the existing situation where if the current leader is not re-elected or another party gains control then she/he remains in office for four more days after the elections. Enough time to ensure "papers are shredded and the office smashed up". Roll on May 6th