Tuesday 10 January 2017

Duffy wins place on Scrutiny Committee

Cllr John Duffy has won a place on Brent Council's Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee after a surprise vote in the Labour Group.  I understand that he defeated Cllr Roxanne Mashari, who recently resigned from the Cabinet, by 16 votes to 12.

The vote took place after the Labour Group refused to endorse a move by the leadership to have the nomination ruled out of order on the grounds that it had been received late.

In an email to members of the Labour Group Cllr Duffy had said that he was standing because it was important that the Scrutiny Committee had independent minded people who would be proactive in ensuring that the Cabinet be called to account.  They should be able to analyse information and costings and have some understanding of local government finance.

He claimed that the Committee needed to be bolder and more inquisitive and less concerned about procedures and more willing to take on board what those making representations to it were saying. .

Cllr Duffy was not at the meeting himself as he was delayed by the tube strike.

The Labour Group decision appears to represent a loosening of Muhammed Butt's grip on Labour councillors and a recognition that many difficult and controversial decisions are being made without the necessary discussion and scrutiny.


10 comments:

Scott said...

Good news that they have appointed someone who clearly aims to be responsible with the spending of our money. If they listen to Cllr Duffy, who appears to have an eye for this - I'm sure there will be less red faces all around due to repeated schoolings on finances by Cllr Warren.

Anonymous said...

This is an accurate account of events. Furthermore, Butt had to be instructed to leave the room as he failed to follow usual protocol whereby only backbenchers are present when positions on Scrutiny are determined.

anon said...

Let the real scrutiny begin!!!!!!

Martin Francis said...

Edited comment: Class act that Butt, isn't he!
Slow learners though, that Labour group. Still, a bit of progress.

A happy soul said...

Oh dear! Didn't they let the big bully stay in the room to ensure that only someone who would be compliant was elected. Oh dear, dear, dear.

Anonymous said...

Butt had spent the previous agenda item lavishing praise on mashari, so it's clear who the establishment candidate was.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Cllr Duffy about time someone with integrity got voted on scrutiny panel.

Anonymous said...

Oh. How sad. No wonder he wanted to stay in the room.

Anonymous said...

At last someone with some BALLS has been voted in, go Duffy Whoop Whoop, at least he will set them straight on numerous issues and not take no bullshit. Well Done Duffy for Leader.

Philip Grant said...

But shouldn't ALL of our councillors act with integrity?

It is one of the seven general conduct principles in public life (along with selflessness, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership) which all of Brent's councillors have signed up to comply with under the Members' Code of Conduct.

Philip.