Stop being so silly Robin. If you look at the allowances and expenses incurred by the Labour Group prior to 2006 they were significantly higher, per head, than those of the opposition groups.If you look at the allowances and expenses incurred by the Labour Groups on councils still controlled by Labour you will find they are significantly higher, per head, than those of the opposition groups.There is a very good reason for this. They are in office.Because they are in office, under the cabinet system forced on us by the Labour government, they hold portfolios which incur them much more work than backbench councillors (I know, I've been both) and, whether one agrees with it on not, this is reflected in the remuneration that they receive. Not just in Hounslow, but in Labour-run boroughs too.I don't really see how you can simultaneously defend the outrageous expense claims of the Keens (taxpayer-funded second home whilst maintaining a primary residence a short jog from work) and at the same time criticise councils (well, other than those under Labour control anyway) for paying what any fair-minded person would consider to be fairly reasonable allowances to elected members.Maybe that is why you never seem to emerge from behind your keyboard - if you did we'd be able to see whether you'd managed to keep a straight face.
Phil Andrews ● 6139d