Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Cllr. Sarah Content succeeded in 'sacking' Tony Phillips, last night.
No explanation was given as to why they felt that Cllr. Phillips, and his cross-party cabinet, was failing the population of West Wiltshire. In fact quite the contrary position was indicated during the debate. Rather than explain his position, Cllr. Osborn requested that the motion should be voted on before any Lib Dem councillor had spoken.

How convenient that this sordid episode should occur just days after the County Council election! I hope that local people will recall this the next time they go to cast their vote.

One glimmer of hope is that a number of Lib Dem councillors approached me after the meeting saying how ashamed they were of their party. All I can say to them is "Resign the party whip, and become an Independent; if enough of you do, the parties will have to begin acting in a more responsible manner and think about the people, rather than themselves".

The new Cabinet will be announced shortly and, presumably, so will the policies to be adopted for the next two years (if the administration hangs together that long). As the 'coup' was assisted by the Labour and WWI groups, it will be interesting to see how they are rewarded by Cllr. Content. Let's hope that she picks people for their ability, and not just as a "Thank you" for supporting her group.