Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

It's not what he says, it what he doesn't say.
Q. Is there a whipping system amongst the LibDem group at County Hall?

A. No. LibDem county councillors would not be expected to vote against their conscience on any issue. Talk of 'party whips' is nonsense.

MY COMMENT - MY QUOTE FROM SARAH'S RESIGNATION E-MAIL IS ACCURATE, BUT I CAN UNDERSTAND WHY IT IS UNWELCOME READING TO THE POLITICAL PARTIES.

Q. Why did you stand aside at the last county elections?

A. Because we had a young and enthusiastic potential candidate, also living in Hilperton, who would make an excellent councillor.

MY COMMENT - THE FACT IS THAT TREVOR STOOD FOR A DIFFERENT DIVISION RATHER THAN FIGHT THIS ONE. I PRESUME HE WAS GIVEN A CHOICE?

Q. How can a so-called Independent councillor serve as chair of the planning committee in a Conservative administration at West Wilts?

A. Pass.

MY COMMENT - TREVOR JUST CAN'T RESIST THE 'SO-CALLED' JIBE. IT'S GETTING A LITTLE BORING NOW. THE WWDC CONSTITUTION FORBIDS 'WHIPPING' OF PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS. IT IS ONE OF THE FEW NON-POLITICAL COMMITTEES AT WWDC. I PRESUME THAT THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL THOUGHT IT A GOOD IDEA TO HAVE AN INDEPENDENT CHAIRING THE COMMITTEE TO PREVENT ANY ACCUSATIONS OF 'PARTY' PREFERENCES IN DECISIONS.