[shakermaker]

I've just finished reading all of the thread.

The thing that sticks out most to me is how very scared all of the politicians are. They move at the speed of Lewis Hamilton to defend themselves, their party, and any other politician within their party as soon as there is but a sniff of potential question of their integrity or worth as a public servant.
They start to defend things that aren't even being questioned, which in itself cannot do anything but breed suspicion.

I am an average resident in Hyndburn with an average knowledge of local politics - one of the majority it would seem. The politicians that have posted on this thread come across so very badly in my eyes. I shan't vote for any of them, should the chance arise. They propone party politics instead of challenging the mindless mess of Google Page Ranking made by politicians they themselves criticise such as Peter Britcliffe.

For the first time in my life I am admiring the Conservative party for staying away from public bickering such as this as it makes them seem like (note my choice of words) they are concentrating on doing what is important.

Mr Jones, you have made a fool of yourself very publicly. Your actions are reminiscent of a small child in a schoolyard being asked about an incident: "But Miss, you're not asking all the other children, you're targeting me and you hate me and I want my mummy".

I find it not hilarious, but saddening and embarrassing how honest and simple research for a bachelor's degree - clearly without angle or conspiracy - has offended the Labour politicians so much. I see them repeating the phrase "you could've asked me that". Ask yourself why are you seen as so untrustworthy as not to be asked. That's my view, but I'd hazard a guess that Andrew does not have the time to ask evey single councillor personally about the information he requested. Obtaining the FOI was the easiest way of getting the information, clearly.

I shan't debate with any of the politicians on here, as they are supposed to be representatives. Therefore they should be listening very carefully to our views instead of trying to 'correct' them at every turn.