Cllr John Duffy has won a place on Brent Council's Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee after a surprise vote in the Labour Group. I understand that he defeated Cllr Roxanne Mashari, who recently resigned from the Cabinet, by 16 votes to 12.
The vote took place after the Labour Group refused to endorse a move by the leadership to have the nomination ruled out of order on the grounds that it had been received late.
In an email to members of the Labour Group Cllr Duffy had said that he was standing because it was important that the Scrutiny Committee had independent minded people who would be proactive in ensuring that the Cabinet be called to account. They should be able to analyse information and costings and have some understanding of local government finance.
He claimed that the Committee needed to be bolder and more inquisitive and less concerned about procedures and more willing to take on board what those making representations to it were saying. .
Cllr Duffy was not at the meeting himself as he was delayed by the tube strike.
The Labour Group decision appears to represent a loosening of Muhammed Butt's grip on Labour councillors and a recognition that many difficult and controversial decisions are being made without the necessary discussion and scrutiny.
The vote took place after the Labour Group refused to endorse a move by the leadership to have the nomination ruled out of order on the grounds that it had been received late.
In an email to members of the Labour Group Cllr Duffy had said that he was standing because it was important that the Scrutiny Committee had independent minded people who would be proactive in ensuring that the Cabinet be called to account. They should be able to analyse information and costings and have some understanding of local government finance.
He claimed that the Committee needed to be bolder and more inquisitive and less concerned about procedures and more willing to take on board what those making representations to it were saying. .
Cllr Duffy was not at the meeting himself as he was delayed by the tube strike.
The Labour Group decision appears to represent a loosening of Muhammed Butt's grip on Labour councillors and a recognition that many difficult and controversial decisions are being made without the necessary discussion and scrutiny.