Political row over chairmanships

4:48pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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TORIES have formed a consortium with other parties to marginalise their main opposition on Wyre Forest District Council, according to the Leader of Independent Health Concern.

Councillor Howard Martin was speaking in the aftermath of last night's district council annual meeting, where his party came away with no positions of influence on the council.

The Leaders of the Conservatives and the Liberals accused Mr Martin of playing political games and said the posts went to the best candidates available.

Independent Health Concern was given no chairmanships on any scrutiny committees and the party's Dr Howard Eeles failed to become the council's representative on the Worcestershire county health overview and scrutiny committee.

Mr Martin said he was "appalled" by the election of Liberal Fran Oborski to the health committee which, he claimed, proved the Tories did not care about what was right for Wyre Forest.

He explained: "They are just underpinning their political power base by appointing a like-minded political buddy completely lacking in any medical knowledge."

Mr Martin said the Conservatives had formed a consortium with the Liberals and the Liberal Democrats who were, together, given three important chairmanships.

He added the Tories had used "political blackmail" and stripped his party of a post when he proposed a "simple" amendment.

He added: "I'm afraid the Tories are acting as dictators, not democrats, and saying if we don't get our own way we will make you toe the line anyway.'"

Mrs Oborski said she was "absolutely insulted" by Mr Martin's claims and added she was the sitting member on the health committee, as well as its vice-chairman.

She added Mr Martin had been "playing political games" by putting forward an amendment to a political "package" that he should have simply either rejected or approved.

She explained: "You are either in or out, not on both sides of the fence, and the administration were not prepared to play that game."

Conservative John Campion, Leader of the council, said: "Fran Oborski has a long history of involvement in health. To say she has no experience is ridiculous."

He added: "At the end of the day, we are not playing politics but getting on with running the district. It's not about currying favour."

"Independent Health Concern played no part in council life last year. We want the best people in the jobs available and that is what has happened."

He explained: "The Conservatives have an overall majority. We don't need a coalition or a consortium. What we want is to work with every group for the good of the district, including Independent Health Concern."