Opposition anger as Tories change the rules (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Opposition anger as Tories change the rules

CONSERVATIVES have changed the rules governing the way Cotswold District Council is run so that one of their own can hold an important post.

And the controversial move has been branded as arrogant by opposition members, who are angry they have been altered to accommodate an individual.

Cllr Carole Topple was elected on to both the executive committee and the planning (regulatory) committee last month.

But the CDC constitution did not allow executive members to chair regulatory committees.

The Tories immediately announced their intention to change the rules to allow Cllr Topple to hold both posts.

And, after a lengthy debate last week, members voted 22-16 in favour of the motion - all 21 Tory members present supported the motion. The only non-Tory to vote in favour was Independent member Robert Barnett.

Independent member Peter Martin said the rule was designed to prevent any individuals having too much power or work.

He said: "The change is being proposed by the Tory Party, but the party already has a majority on all the committees so it is unnecessary.

"This is an act of desperation, arrogance and recklessness, and I believe it is rather vain."

Cllr Hazel Jones (Ind) added: "I would go further to say anyone from the executive committee shouldn't sit on any other committee."

Fellow Independent Christine Eatwell said: "Is this what is going to happen everytime something doesn't suit - we just change the constitution? This worries me.

"I feel we are stepping into dangerous ground. There are other members of the Tory Party who could do this just as well."

After last month's local elections the Tories became the first-ever political party to take control of CDC.

New leader Julie Girling caused a stir during the first full meeting when she said the party would not be "hide-bound by standing orders or protocol."

She defended the move to change the constitution last week, claiming Cllr Topple's experience and knowledge was invaluable.

However, although all committee chairs are now Conservative, two of them have only been councillors for just over a month.

She said: "This is making a useful change. The constitution isn't stuck in stone. This change, in my view, will enable us to provide an efficient service. I think Mrs Topple is the best person for the job."

Tory colleague Nicholas Parsons added: "This is an issue of principle, not one of constitution."

*Councillor Topple, who joined the council in 1995, assured members she had the necessary experience.

She is a former chairman of the development control sub-committee (north), and vice chairman of the planning committee, both of which preceded the existing planning (regulatory) committee.

Cllr Topple was due to be elected chairman of the planning committee, under the new constitution, yesterday (Wednesday).