Sid Pollitt
#1
News has reached me that the Tories at DDC are in disarray and that infighting is rife. Sorry, I dont know what came over me and where that spin came from. I have been told that a leading councillor, Sue Nicholas, has resigned her portfolio. I dont know the ins-and-outs but I'm told she is to stay on as a councillor and will return to the back benches.
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
#2
wow!! hot news there Sid.Well done getting that story. In fact one or two people hinted something like this was likely to happen...didnt Paul Watkins himself walk out during Sue's passionate speech on the TV Screen the other night. Woe woe thrice woe!! Sue is clearly not in harmony with her colleagues.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#3
colleagues???
she has made about 3 attacks on nigel in this forum in the last few days.
is that the behaviour of a responsible politician?
surely the rule of any cabinet is to argue and infight, then when a decision is made, show a united response.
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
#4
Yes to say that Sue was a maverick would be an understatement. A united front should always be shown by a cabinet member. But if your concscience doesnt allow you to go along with the rest of your cabinet colleagues then resignation is the path. It looks like this may be the case here. But did she go or was she pushed?? We look forward to hearing from Sue in due course. Sue of course is a noted plain speaker and is likely to keep us informed. Our fellow Forumite Paully Watkins was on here a few minutes ago and sidestepped a response...
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#5
i do not think that we will get any official response, at the end of the day it is an internal party matter.
maybe it was like that old "spitting image" sketch years ago when cecil parkinson "resigned".
it has mrs t handing a letter to cp saying here is your resignation letter.
the camera then shows the words "dear cecil, you're sacked"
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
#6
HOWARD
I did sit in thre public gallery and he it was announced in debate that she probably wouldn't be in the cabinet at next AGM
so i think moves are afoot.
but as you say it will all happen internally and we will hear in May
The leader has a small problem, does he keep SUE in there to keep her quiet or does he send herv to backbenches and take it on the chin?
I think hes made the brave decision to remove her, knowing sue she won't remain quiet, but the leader has a number of other c;llrs he can choose from
mayube he break the mould and put a labour person in the cabinet?
radical
no i dont fink that will happen
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
#7
i heard that sue lost her portfolio last night.
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
#8
sue lost her portfolio last night
That was careless of her!!
Sue will hopefully be able to give her side of the story as to what transpired.As PaulB stated it would appear that feelings ran high about the installation of the Market Sq TV.I can think of far more urgent and pressing matters to get hot under the collar about than the TV.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Guest 675- Registered: 30 Jun 2008
- Posts: 1,610
#9
Is it just me that feels it is better to have a maverik in the cabinet, arguing from other points of view, than to fill it with 'yes-men' that will toe the line?
Politics, it seems to me, for years, or all too long, has been concerned with right or left instead of right or wrong.
Richard Armour
Guest 660- Registered: 14 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,205
#10
I can reveal that Sue has nor resigned,although very angry about the TV and the way she feels she was treated.I spoke to her this morning and although we are politically different colours I know that she works hard for the people of River and the District.We sometimes lose a vote,sitting on the opposition benches it would be nice if we won a vote once in a while.
She is at meetings today and I am sure she will respond when she can,we all have our opinions that is what makes Democracy so good,unless of course you are the smaller of the groups.
If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
Sid Pollitt
#11
Has withdrawn her resignation I think you mean John. I think we all agree that Sue works hard for the district and I'm sure that things take their toll over time.
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
#12
Yes I see Sue has posted on the "TV Screen" thread in the other section saying she is still in the cabinet. Chris makes a good point above, is it useful to have a contrary voice in the cabinet rather than have bags loads of yes men. Perhaps it is.That way all sides of the argument gets heard. Although it is always good from the politicians standpoint to have a united cabinet publicly, otherwise much ructions and rumblings ensue.
Sue doesnt seem to be able to zip it in public for the sake of showing cabinet unity..is that good for all of us though? maybe, but it would certainly fester up the wrath of senior figures Paul Watkins and Nigel Collor.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#13
would it not be more honest to stand as an independent?
of you are a member of any club, you have to abide by the rules.
dover is at a crossroads, trying to move into the future, everyone has to be pulling in the same direction on issues.
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
#14
the only thing to do at the moment is to move forward without looking back.
#15
Being a maverick takes skill and acumen. I say no more.
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
#16
I think now I need to come to Sues side, Whilst we all want a better Dover there are lots of diffrent ways of achieving it.
On the cabinet position thats realy for Sue to decide and wouldn't it be boring of having a cabinet of yes people!
Whilst I don't share Sues view on the TV screen there are a number of Dovorians who do oppose this TV venture, so Sue is supporting those people.
I think Sue will just be replaced at the AGM for not following the leader.
In her own way Sue does work hard, and I hope she continues to do so
We may be political opponents but she does work hard.
#17
I am really aware that she does work hard, and she certainly cares and feels passionately.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#18
the issue is getting clouded now.
anyone in cabinet can disagree as vehemently as they wish, however when a collective decision is made, the infighting stops and everyone has to pretend to go with it.
keith
you should know better, all those years in politics, anyone can be a maverick and seek martyrdom.
Guest 674- Registered: 25 Jun 2008
- Posts: 3,391
#19
HOWARD
Ibit my tongue many times
but i do think the leader will think twice about replacing her
but i might be wrong
Maybe a viewpoint from Sue/Leader OR BOTH would clear the air
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#20
keith
surely the air should be cleared at cabinet level.
everyone has their say, i cannot imagine susan being too shy to speak out.