Barnet Council's Labour group has withdrawn from a “flawed and discredited” standards regime after losing a vote on political balance.
Councillor Alison Moore, leader of the Labour group, put forward an amendment at a full council meeting last night to reform the group leaders’ panel - which deals with complaints against councillors – by reinstating an independent chairman, a majority of independent members and a representative from each party.
The panel is currently chaired by the leader of Barnet Borough Council, Councillor Richard Cornelius, who sits alongside two other Conservative councillors, two Labour councillors and two independent members.
After losing the vote, Cllr Moore announced the party’s withdrawal.
Speaking afterwards, she said: “We have a committee which is chaired and dominated by the administration. I don’t think there’s any integrity to that process. It ought to be above party politics. It’s about the democratic process and residents having confidence there’s a redress mechanism. I think it’s best served by a non-political balance.
“It’s deeply flawed and discredited, and I don’t think it can continue. It’s been a shambles. It’s politically divisive, and I don’t think it does the council any good whatsoever.”
Cllr Richard Cornelius said: “The committee has responded successfully to cases of wrongdoing, but has not been successful in dealing with politically motivated attacks. The process certainly needs reviewing – and council has agreed to this – but it shouldn’t be changed on the hoof.”
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