Councillor John Duffy (Labour Kilburn) reveals in his blog today LINK that he is snubbed by the Council's Labour leadership and some other members of the Labour group scarcely speak to him.
This is despite his vigilance over the green waste contract that was out-sourced to Veolia. Duffy successfully challenged a clause that gave Veolia any income from the scheme once the collection target of £400k had been achieved. His claim that this would be illegal was eventually supported by the Chief Finance Officer despite Duffy initially getting the brush off from the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council when he raised concerns.
Duffy says:
Concluding his posting Duffy says he is going on holiday but on his return will reveal why St Patrcik's Day may not be coming to Brent and 'the tale of the missing nomination'.
This is despite his vigilance over the green waste contract that was out-sourced to Veolia. Duffy successfully challenged a clause that gave Veolia any income from the scheme once the collection target of £400k had been achieved. His claim that this would be illegal was eventually supported by the Chief Finance Officer despite Duffy initially getting the brush off from the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council when he raised concerns.
Duffy says:
You may think Brent Council Labour group thanks me for this. No the leadership of Brent Council Labour group are unforgiving that I forced this amendment, they took me off all committees; many of the Labour group hardly talk to me or shy away. They seat me next to the Tory group (a fate worse than death) as they believe by forcing the amendment I undermined their authority. One member of the Cabinet accused me of bullying officers because I would not let it drop. I am not allowed to speak at full council. If I do members of the cabinet heckle me.Cllr Duffy claims that the Council could benefit by up to £500k in contrast to the council tax money that Veolia would have handed to the contractor. He is concerned, however, that the additional money will be spent on Council vanity projects rather than supporting vital services.
Concluding his posting Duffy says he is going on holiday but on his return will reveal why St Patrcik's Day may not be coming to Brent and 'the tale of the missing nomination'.