A “Stupidity of Cllrs”

Well, we used to think it was an “callousness” or a “lack of argument” of councillors but, having watched newly elected and re-elected members of the full district council at the Annual General Meeting of the Council last night we should, perhaps, revise our ideas.

A “derision” might work to describe our councillors or an “argument”, or a “quarrel” of Cllrs or, our particular favourite, a “stupidity”, which is what we have decided upon and no doubt over time you’ll come to here us oft repeat, “Oh, here comes a stupidity of councillors.” The singular is of course stupid

And so it was the opposition stupidity of councillors sat and challenged every decision and the derision of Tories and their obedient alliance with marsh sheep, made the public sit through a marathon two hour session nearly. It wasn’t necessary, but some just have to showboat, and love the sound of their own voice. They love the camera and that near fifty grand webcast system is sure going be worth the money after four years. We can see some Oscar winning performances coming along.

Anyway, it wasn’t as scintillating as you might have been informed. Just look at Cllr Jacqui Meade (Lab) and Cabinet member Cllr David Godfrey (Con). Utterly underwhelmed by the proceedings.

  

Any our stupidity of Cllrs eventually came to agree on the following Cllrs for the following positions

Cllr. Ann Berry (Con) won the chair 16 votes to 14. Cllrs. Wimble, Meyers and Mullard voted FOR her. The opposition choice for chair was Cllr Laura Davison (Lab) looking glum.

Cllr. Phiip Martin (Conservative) wons vice chair 16 votes to 14. Cllrs. Wimble, Meyers and Mullard voted FOR him. The opposition choice was Cllr. Treloar (Green) who kept on going on about the “conscience of the Council” as is evident in the video below. A little known fact about Cllr Treloar is that she is a most accomplished percussionist and plays a mean xylophone and can be seen out and hitting those keys in our community.

Cllr. David Monk won the contest for leader of the Council by 16 votes to 14. Cllr. Meyers nominated him, seconded by Cllr. Wimble, who spoke about why he is backing the Tories. Cllr. Monty Mullard voted FOR. The Opposition’s choice for Leader was Cllr Tim Prater (Lib Dem)..

 

After the two most vital positions were done then came the business of selecting the chair and vice chair of the Committees of the Council. First up was the Audit and Governance – it is probably the most important committee of the Council as it looks after the money and the behaviour of our Hurtle of sheep – read Cllrs.

Cllr Philip Martin (Con) won the chair 15 to 14 against the opposition choice of Cllr Tim Prater (Lib Dem) with Cllr. Mullard abstaining. Cllrs. Wimble & Meyer voted for the Tory. Cllr. Berry (Con) won vice chair 15 to 14 against the opposition choice of Cllr. Whybrow (Green) with Cllr. Mullard abstaining.

Planning and Licensing – Cllr. Goddard (Tory) won the chair 15 to 14 against the opposition choice of Cllr.Connor McConville (Labour) (pictured looking thoughtful) with Cllr Monty Mullard abstaining. Cllrs. Wimble & Meyer voted for the Tory. Cllr. Philip Martin (Tory) won vice chair 15 to 14 against opposition choice of Cllr. Jim Martin (Green) with Cllr. Monty Mullard abstaining.

Personnel – Cllr David Drury Monk won chair 16 to 14 against the opposition choice of Cllr Nicola Keen (Labour) (pictured below). Cllrs Wimble, Mullard & Meyers voted for the Tory. Cllr Danny Brook (Tory) (pictured) won vice chair 16 to 14 against the opposition choice of Cllr. Shoeb (Green). Cllrs. Wimble Sheep, Monty Mullard & Meyers voted for the Tory.

After the dicing and splicing of who was to sit and control the committees, it is was time to adjourn and move upstairs for drinks – at taxpayers expense of course – for the few NOT the many. The two Lib Dems did not attend and all attendees clung heavily to their respective groups, as there is safety in numbers – what’s that saying bird of feather flock together.

It is said that Tribalism once more rules the politics of the Chamber. However, scratch the surface and there are differences, big differences. Over time the differences will be exacerbated by such a wily and cunning operator as Cllr David Monk, of that you can be sure.

The Shepwayvox Team

Dissent is NOT a Crime