JUMPING THE GUN

COUNCIL leaders have been accused of overbearing presumption and arrogance for publishing the format of new 'Cabinet' style government before it has been given the go-ahead.

Members of the ruling Labour group were defeated in their bid to introduce the system. They were all geared up for an official launch on November 17. Leader Peter Kent had picked his top team; a seven-strong Board of Directors.

But three of their own party members, unhappy with the set-up, voted with Tories for a deferment and a re-think.

Now it has been revealed that, along with the ready-to-roll plans, officials have also had to shelve 1,000 explanatory booklets produced in advance of the full council decision.

They were to have been handed out to councillors, staff, media and organisations and businesses with council links after the launch and have cost £1,200 to print.

The move has been criticised by Conservative Brian Silvester.

"It is like the hubris in Greek tragedy. It is arrogant presumption that will lead to their eventual downfall," he said.

"They took it for granted that their proposals would be rubber stamped at the decisive council meeting. But they have got to realise that we have a democratic council and all parties, including the Labour party voted to stop the Cabinet-style system going ahead," he added.

Head of Member and Office Services, Alan Warburton has confirmed the production of the leaflets and the cost.

"We considered it extremely important that our staff, partners and local people knew what was happening immediately. I authorised them," he said in a reply to Cllr Silvester's request for information.

He revealed that 600 copies were due to have been issued to staff as part a team briefing process. On the same day about 100 copies were to have been sent to council 'partners' including parish councils, voluntary sector organisations and the business community.

More than 80 were to have gone to councillors, county councillors, MPs and MEPs, 20 to the media and the rest placed at major reception points.

"The booklets have not been scrapped as the council's decision was to defer, not abandon. They are being stored, pending the reconsideration by the council in May," Mr Warburton added.

Bordering on a 'Greek tragedy' claims Tory councillor Brian Silvester, pictured with a copy of the booklet open at the page featuring the 'assumed' Board of Directors.