I am sorry to disappoint readers who were expecting a blow by blow account of the Annual Council Meeting tonight. Brent Democratic Services refused me admission despite the Agenda clearly stating 'The press and public are welcome to attend this meeting'.
I was told that I could only attend by invitation and the the meeting was mainly ceremonial. I pointed out the wording on the agenda and that Item 5 involved changes to the constitution which affected petitions. I also wanted to observe the vote for the new leader. I was told there wouldn't be debate on the constitutional amendment but if space was found I might be let in. However the Democratic Services Officer concerned never returned to the lobby and security were not letting anyone through.
The Council were clearly expecting trouble and I heard the Democratic Services Officerr briefing the police that disruption was expected over the the vote for the new leader. Half a dozen police and about the same number of PCSOs were present as well as AA security.
I retired to the Torch with friends and enjoyed a pint of delicious Doom Bar bitter from Cornwall which was probably more pleasurable.
On the way home I bumped into Cllr Michael Pavey, my opponent in the Barnhill by-election, who admitted that being barred by Democratic Services from watching democracy in action was 'a bit ironic'.
He told me that everything had gone through smoothly except for a spat about political representation on Brent Housing Partnership.
No a new dawn for democracy in Brent...
