[Acrylic-bob]

It seems that folk are missing the point here. Plain Jane(t) does not actually have any other function other than chairing full meetings of the council, which are few and far between these days thanks to the introduction of governance by cabinet, and occaisionally appearing at local charity bashes. Oh, and she gets the opportunity to hob nob with the great and the good at one of the summer garden parties at Buckingham Palace. (I wonder what H.M. will think when presented with this year's version of Hyndburn's Brightest and Best. ) Not exactly what you might describe as a taxing schedule.

I note that Plain Jane(t) describes Councillor Parkinson, the outgoing Mayor, as "A hard act to follow". As though the prospect of opening a couple of womens institute tea mornings was something which might keep her awake at nights.

It used to be that the mayorality was something that was bestowed as an acknowlegement of an outstanding contribution to public life. Nowadays they just take it in turns and, following a row about it a couple of years ago, they also alternate between conservative and labour incumbents. A devalued office of a morally and ethically bankrupt council.