To hear Barnet Borough Council’s monitoring officer Maryellen Salter left last week ‘by mutual consent’ came as no surprise.

However, the automated reply from her email account informs us she’s been out of the office since September 12.

The conclusion of lawyer Claer Lloyd-Jones’ first report is a criticism of the shoddy way Barnet has been served since outsourcing its legal department, to be shared with that of Harrow Council.

Claer’s second report highlights how someone plucked from the ranks of accountants was totally unsuitable for the important job of assurance director and monitoring officer.

Ms Salter’s lack of appropriate qualifications and experience bring into doubt the decision to allow councillors not to declare pecuniary interests during debates, as well as the dismissal of several complaints brought by Andrew Dismore AM regarding the conduct of Mayor Councillor Hugh Rayner.

When we look back to the rowdy council AGM last June and the appointment of committees, it is evident that so much unnecessary anger, distress and resentment were caused by someone who basically didn’t have a clue as to what she was allowing.

Following the damning reports from Claer Lloyd-Jones, past pronouncements need to be re-evaluated by someone with sound knowledge and experience of local government law, and put right. Also, those in charge who allowed this intolerable situation for so long need to step down if credibility in Barnet Council is to be restored.

For deputy council leader Dan Thomas to state that the system is running well and Barnet is an efficiently run council, is clear evidence that the Tories who are running Barnet Council are in denial about the utter shambles they have created.

Donald Lyven

Barnet Alliance for Public Services