Sarah, you asked how councillors get to be Executive members. I'll try to explain it as I understand it.Under Labour, the leader, deputy leader and executive members were elected by a majority vote within the Labour Group. Those elected were then rubbered stamped by the Annual Council meeting. Under the present Conservative/ICG coalition the Conservatives get 8 executive places and ICG 2. The Conservatives elect their leader who then chooses the other 7 to serve with him. My understanding is that the ICG also elect their leader, who serves on the executive. I am unsure whether the other member is elected by the group or appointed by the leader. Again, the list is rubber stamped by the Annual Council.These processes clearly cannot be compared with appointment processes in which the "best person for the job" is sought. However, we should remember that politicians the world over tend to have a poor reputation within their respective communities, and it could be argued that the public don't expect the same high standards that apply to appointments elsewhere in life.Like appointments to the Cabinet at national level most local political decisions are taken behind closed doors.If there are any errors above I would appreciate clarification.
John Connelly ● 6374d