Conservative Councillors gag opposition Lib Dems

2.14.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 16th Jul 2009

The Conservative administration at Essex County Council has moved to block out the Lib Dem opposition, following last month's elections. They have removed all opposition county councillors from the council's important waste advisory board, where opposition parties have always previously been represented, and were considering imposing a Conservative to chair the council's main scrutiny committee, a job traditionally undertaken by the opposition.

Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes, Liberal Democrat group leader, said: "On 4th June, the Liberal Democrats increased their number of councillors by 50%, to become the only opposition party on the council. To do our job properly - representing the people of Essex who voted us in - we would expect proper representation on all council bodies. A one party state in a democracy is very dangerous and an administration needs to be held to account.

"Unfortunately, the Conservatives are moving to use their extensive power to freeze out the opposition and stop any challenge to their authority. This is in stark contrast to their claims to run a transparent and accountable council.

"This attitude smacks of arrogance and intolerance and is not in the best interests of the residents of Essex who are being prevented from receiving the comprehensive voice they voted for across all areas of the council.

"We often speak about bad losers, but it's very unusual to be a bad winner."