Flattered!
Readers may have received a scurrilous Labour Leaflet entitled “Consett’s Choice”. Liberal Democrats in Consett North should be flattered that Labour is so worried by our election campaign that they have had to resort to mud-slinging. Its sad, but common enough from politicians under pressure.
The problem with this leaflet, though, isn’t just that it slings mud. It is actually factually incorrect. Of course we didn’t “fail to show” at the scrutiny meeting in which an update was provided on the plans for Shotley Bridge Hospital. It’s true that I was in London for a work commitment that I couldn’t get out of, and had sent in my apologies well in advance. In the meantime Liberal Democrats were represented by Bob Cook, the other Liberal Democrat on that committee, who was there throughout the 5 minute presentation.
Similarly inaccurate is the claim that “your Independent and your Lib Dem councillors both received £20,000 to spend on schemes in Consett.” Actually all three district councillors, including the Labour leader of the council (Alex Watson), were allocated £60,000 to be spent on ONE project. You may remember this because we publicised it in a Focus leaflet (and on this website). Because your district councillors are decent people with the interests of Consett at heart, despite coming from three different parties we co-operated and agreed that the money would be invested in a recording studio based at the YMCA to benefit all the music-makers in the district, young and old. We sought to publicise the outcome through the Durham Advertiser and Chronicle Extra because it was a non-political decision. The project is now under way.
I could go on, but I expect you get the gist of it. The recent leaflet is a desperate last throw by people who see their days are numbered. I certainly hope they are, because Consett needs principled councillors who communicate honestly with their voters. Now that’s a pledge Natalie and I are happy to make to you.
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