<< Back to index Two Tories facing no confidence votesBy Eleanor Scotchbrook HARLOW Council has plunged deeper into disarray after two prominent Tory councillors refused to resign as committee chairmen despite facing votes of no confidence.
The Liberal Democrats and Labour both backed motions of no confidence in resources chairman Simon Carter's conduct of the proposed sale of Passmores House and planning chairman Mike Garnett's handling of the Harvey Centre plans.
Labour group leader Kevin Brooks said trust in local democracy had been "undermined" by Mr Carter's conduct, claiming he had broken promises, misled the public and used deception to "cover his tracks".
It was said Mr Carter promised the Friends of Passmores House a public consultation, but then voted at a subsequent meeting to dispose of the property as a single private dwelling.
Throughout Thursday's debate Mr Carter refused to comment, but in his defence Tory colleague Tony Hall said he was a "man of talent who would be a huge loss to this council if he were to stand down".
Mr Garnett also faced accusations over his involvement in Stannifer's plans to extend the Harvey Centre, with Liberal Democrat Matthew Shepherd alleging he had threatened local businessman Mo Ghadami with a compulsory purchase order and that the developer's solicitors had asked for money on Mr Garnett's behalf.
Mr Garnett dismissed the claims as "pie in the sky" before adding: "I have nothing to hide. I can hold my head up high and have nothing to be ashamed of."
There was also dispute over the outcome of investigations into both matters by the Standards Board for England, with Tory leader Andrew Johnson stressing the independent body had concluded there were no cases to answer despite claims to the contrary.
A Standards Board spokesman has since told the Citizen there are no investigations underway.
Mr Johnson said the council chamber was not a "kangaroo court", adding the Liberal Democrats were attempting to distance themselves from decisions they had been party to.
He accused Liberal Democrat group leader Lorna Spenceley of jumping on a Labour bandwagon, adding: "Are these the actions of a party committed to the coalition?"
After the meeting Mrs Spenceley called for all three parties to work together. She said: "Now that the joint administration is no longer viable, a new solution is needed. All three political groups should share the responsibility of running the council and improving local services."
In our article appearing on October 22 (above) headed 'Two Tories facing no confidence votes' we printed allegations made in a council meeting by Matthew Shepherd. We wish to make it clear that Mr Shepherd's allegations are not true and that Stannifer have acted completely properly in relation to the proposed Harvey Centre development.
9:19am Wednesday 22nd October 2003
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