Council's Aldermen Proposal A Distraction From The Real Issues

9.20.05am GMT Thu 27th Mar 2003

After retiring councillors, who else will get a slap on the back for their 'outstanding contribution?'

Liberal Democrats have slammed plans to create new Aldermen in the city for retiring councillors. The Lib Dems believe that instead of spending time at council meetings discussing gongs and slaps on the back for retiring councillors, the council should be using its time to tackle the many issues facing the city.

Lib Dem City Council Group Leader, Councillor Paul Elgood said:

"There really are more pressing matters to be dealing with than worrying about handing out gongs to retiring councillors. I'd much rather see people who make a contribution to their community honoured in the way the Argus' own achievements awards are made."

"Its all very nice retiring councillors giving themselves a slap on the back but it won't make a blind bit of difference to the residents who have genuine concerns over a range of issues facing the city."

"Labour must be expecting to lose a lot of seats if they are planning to make some of their members Aldermen!"

"But there are exceptional cases. Glynn Jones, former Chief Executive, made a remarkable contribution to the city and that should be honoured."