Medway Conservatives - An undermining of democracy and abandonment of professionalism

I have just returned to the comfort of my computer chair from an Overview & Scrutiny meeting at The St Georges Centre; regarding Medway Labour's calling-in of the cabinet decision to privatise 3 care-homes in Medway.

I am a firm believer in democracy and am a champion of peoples right to free-speech, so I was genuinely appalled by the Conservative decision to universally vote against the allowance of such a basic democratic process at this meeting, where not only were members of the public denied the right to speak, but indeed elected councillors were also silenced, something which was met with discontent from all but Tory quarters.

To me this has a deeper resonance regarding the current administration as people often say that they simply do not listen, ignore what is said, and go-ahead with whatever plans they hatch in their own bloody-minded way regardless of public concern and opinion.

Ignoring peoples opinion is one thing, but for me, when you actually remove the opportunity for people to express that opinion in the first place, you are spitting in the face of democracy and edging towards a totalitarian approach to politics.

Now for professional standards.............

I found it rude, insulting, and downright unprofessional that Conservative councillors sat passing notes like school-children, and scoffing a box of chocolates during such an important meeting.

To me this devalues the process. It is basically showing those who oppose their proposals that they are going through the motions, and see the process as a pantomine that does not require them to act in a professional and business-like manner.

This is an issue which people are losing sleep over, families are petrified for the welfare of their relatives, whilst the Tories on the committee sit there giving such a casual and unprofessional impression. This comes across as incredibly arrogant, and to me, shows an absolute disregard for the people affected by the proposals.

The 1st prize for rudeness and unprofessional behaviour though must go to the Conservative councillor who was called-upon to speak, but was enjoying his toffee so much his poorly-delivered drivel was being drowned-out by chewing and slurping, so much so that the public gallery united in disapproval and the chair of the meeting had to gently encourage his party colleague to stop speaking, and finish his sweet before resuming.

At a time when the Conservative administration is attracting incoming fire from many positions, actions such as this only serve to undermine their position and indeed any flames of discontent within Conservative ranks will only grow as their members and back-benchers slowly lose confidence in their senior colleagues.

Personally, I think it is a disgrace that members of the ruling administration can behave in this way - the people of Medway deserve much more than this.