Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Lib Dem Council Leader Embrassed by Online Video

The Leader of Derby City Council, Lib Dem Hilary Jones has spent today having to jusify her performance and comments she recently made in council meetings. Footage of meetings has been recently posted to the video sharing website, YouTube.

The clips made by a YouTube user called 'limpdimsinderby' show Cllr Jones during heated debates, shouting loudly and being rebuked by the Mayor of Derby. She also is seen and heard to state that 'For those unfortunate enough to have nothing to do but watch this on the internet...' and 'I don't need to justify myself to anybody'.

Those comments have been widely condemmed and Derby Conservative leader Philip Hickson said, "I think the attitude of the leader of the council brings the whole system of local government into disrepute. Saying things like 'I don't have to justify myself to anyone' is disgraceful. If she thinks that, she is deluded. All of us are accountable no matter what office we hold."

Watch the video below:-

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Conservatives halt Lib Dem toilet closures.

Local Conservatives forced a reversal on the City Toilet closures last night.

The budget strategy for 2009/10 had been drawn up by the Lib Dem administration, which included City-wide public toilet closures and presented to full council for approval but the Conservatives spoke out against it.

Derby Conservative leader, Cllr Philip Hickson moved an amendment which said the strategy must include provision for public toilets.

Cllr Hickson's amendment was opposed by the Lib Dems, but in the debate that followed Conservatives gained the support they needed to see it approved.

He said: "The decision on the closures has been reversed and a commitment to public toilets has been restored into the budget strategy. The Lib Dems have steadfastly refused to listen to the public on the issue however I made it very clear that local Conservatives would fight against the closures of our public toilets across the City. Last night we did just that and were successful."

Public toilets at Markeaton Park island, High Street in Chellaston, Boulton Lane in Alvaston, Nottingham Road cemetery along with the library and cemetery in Spondon were in the process of being closed already.

City Centre toilets at The Spot and Victoria Street were scheduled to close in the new year and facilities at the Assembly Rooms and Eagle Market were due to be closed once the new bus station opened sometime in 2009.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Conservatives gain new City Councillor.

Derby Conservatives are delighted to be welcoming City Councillor, Philip Ingall to their council group.

Cllr Ingall's move gives the Conservatives all three seats in Chellaston & Shelton Lock ward. He joins Cllr's Harvey Jennings and Matthew Holmes.

Derby Conservative leader, Cllr Philip Hickson said, " I'm delighted to be welcoming Cllr Ingall to the Derby Conservative Group. He will be joining a very strong team in Chellaston ward. "

Deputy leader and Chellaston Ward councillor, Harvey Jennings added, " I know that Philip will be an asset to the local team and all three Conservative councillors will be continuing to work very hard to represent local people on the issues that matter to them. "

The move gives the Conservatives 15 City council seats.

Cllr Ingall will be joining his new colleagues at full council (Weds 19th of November, from 6pm) which can be viewed live via the Derby City Council website. Click this link to watch.

You can also watch a recording via the council webcast archive by visiting the same page.