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Graham Jones · 07-03-2005, 16:06

The Panopticons is a Cabinet decision but Britcliffe knew he might be able to pull a double political scoop. Or treble.

He forced the issue on the agenda for 'open debate' and intended to request a show of hands 'to gage the feeling for cabinet' he said. When has ever asked Labour councillors what they thought other than for his own political gain?

He summed up the debate and and said No No No and asked for show of hands. We decided not to vote on the issue because there was no proper debate, just an anti panopticon lynch mob. Some of our members came late to Council and unaware voted how they felt and several others decided to commit themselves to yes. 17 Tories voted against [2 abstained one was Tony Dobson] and 12 Labour voted for, 1 against [Malcolm Pritchard] 2 abstained [Me & Pam Barton].

It was a win win for Britcliffe. If the show of hands went against him he had his cabinet excuse ready made, whilst playing the popular card of No No No and looking strong. But not of course when you have to rely on passing the decision making buck as he did.

His 2nd win of course was to draw a party political divide. Labour wastes money, Tories don't. Bit rich coming from 'Mr HBC Debt' himself.

Thirdly he anticipated Labours budget that night would get big press headlines so he altered the Council agenda moving the Panopticons from last item to first, before the budget. Now whats more important I ask?

What that boiled down to is Labour was going to highlight that Area Councils cost £150 per person per person who attends and that we would scrap them and have 24 wardens instead. Britcliffe is frighttened stiff about this idea but knows he is on a sticky wicket. Last week leaders column talked up how good Area Councils are as part of his defence.

So he cleverly let the press feed early on the Panopticons issues, blowing out the press coverage on the budget, or Labours alternate budget proposals and leaving no time to talk about them at the end of a busy meeting.

Press print Panopticon story front page, Councils finances are ignored, the opposition is effectively silenced and bingo - how many Joe public know what the alternative budget is when they come to voting next time.

What they do know is that big bad nasty Labour Party wants to waste [if he successfully makes that connection he will stop saying it is external monies] monies putting silly artwork on rural land and thats a vote winner. Sadly the Panopticons should be low on HBC priorities but hey, thats good politics if thats your thing.

Britcliffe moves Joe public around the board with clever simplicity. You have to admire how he can cover up more and more bad decisions. And to be honest, the trouble with the current Hyndburn Labour Party is it is to plain honest. [Though I wouldn't wish that to change - just the public to be more informed]

07-03-2005, 16:06	#95
Graham Jones I am Banned Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 279 Liked: 0 times Rep Power: 0	Re: Council get something right!! The Panopticons is a Cabinet decision but Britcliffe knew he might be able to pull a double political scoop. Or treble. He forced the issue on the agenda for 'open debate' and intended to request a show of hands 'to gage the feeling for cabinet' he said. When has ever asked Labour councillors what they thought other than for his own political gain? He summed up the debate and and said No No No and asked for show of hands. We decided not to vote on the issue because there was no proper debate, just an anti panopticon lynch mob. Some of our members came late to Council and unaware voted how they felt and several others decided to commit themselves to yes. 17 Tories voted against [2 abstained one was Tony Dobson] and 12 Labour voted for, 1 against [Malcolm Pritchard] 2 abstained [Me & Pam Barton]. It was a win win for Britcliffe. If the show of hands went against him he had his cabinet excuse ready made, whilst playing the popular card of No No No and looking strong. But not of course when you have to rely on passing the decision making buck as he did. His 2nd win of course was to draw a party political divide. Labour wastes money, Tories don't. Bit rich coming from 'Mr HBC Debt' himself. Thirdly he anticipated Labours budget that night would get big press headlines so he altered the Council agenda moving the Panopticons from last item to first, before the budget. Now whats more important I ask? What that boiled down to is Labour was going to highlight that Area Councils cost £150 per person per person who attends and that we would scrap them and have 24 wardens instead. Britcliffe is frighttened stiff about this idea but knows he is on a sticky wicket. Last week leaders column talked up how good Area Councils are as part of his defence. So he cleverly let the press feed early on the Panopticons issues, blowing out the press coverage on the budget, or Labours alternate budget proposals and leaving no time to talk about them at the end of a busy meeting. Press print Panopticon story front page, Councils finances are ignored, the opposition is effectively silenced and bingo - how many Joe public know what the alternative budget is when they come to voting next time. What they do know is that big bad nasty Labour Party wants to waste [if he successfully makes that connection he will stop saying it is external monies] monies putting silly artwork on rural land and thats a vote winner. Sadly the Panopticons should be low on HBC priorities but hey, thats good politics if thats your thing. Britcliffe moves Joe public around the board with clever simplicity. You have to admire how he can cover up more and more bad decisions. And to be honest, the trouble with the current Hyndburn Labour Party is it is to plain honest. [Though I wouldn't wish that to change - just the public to be more informed]