Tories removed from Hastings cabinet

According to the council’s Conservative group, councillors Rob Lee and Andy Patmore were informed this afternoon (Monday, June 8) that they have been removed from the Labour-controlled council’s decision-making cabinet.

Cllr Lee, who is also leader of the council’s Conservative group, criticised council leader Kim Forward for the decision, saying it would “stifle debate” and “deny a voice to Conservative voters”.

Cllr Lee said: “It is a great shame that the Leader of the Council has made this decision to deny a voice to Conservative voters all over the town. 

“No real reason has given for the move and it will stifle debate locally. This is proof that Cllr  Forward is not interested in hearing alternative points of view.

“Previous Labour leaders have seen the importance of consulting with opposition parties instead of listening only to voices that agree with them. 

“Over the last few years the Conservatives have been proved right on many issues locally including the recently aborted plans to build solar panels, which was very embarrassing to the Labour leadership. 

“The fear of effective Conservative opposition has proved too much for Cllr Forward who does not dare to face challenging questions from outside the Labour Party.”

Before the decision, councillors Lee and Andy Patmore had sat as voting members of the cabinet, although neither were responsible for a cabinet portfolio. 

The arrangement had been an unusual one in East Sussex, with no other district or borough authority in the county giving opposition councillors voting rights on their respective cabinets. 

These other councils, however, usually allow opposition councillors to contribute to the debate by addressing cabinet members on particular items. These tend to be under informal arrangements with the right to speak, usually, allowed at the council leader’s discretion.

According to Cllr Lee this will not be the case in Hastings, however, with the Conservative leader saying he had been told they would not be able to take part in the meetings at all.

Due to restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic, all council meetings are currently taking place online with contributions limited by prior arrangement.

The LDRS reached out to Hastings Borough Council and Cllr Forward about the decision. Council officers confirmed the decision had been taken but declined to comment further.

Cllr Forward also declined to comment ahead of the meeting, but briefly addressed the changes during the meeting.

It came alongside a two new appointments to the cabinet and several changes in titles for other members, reflecting altered portfolios.

Cllr Paul Barnett joined cabinet as lead member for urban environment and community safety.

Meanwhile, Cllr Margi O’Callahan replaced Cllr Sue Beaney as chair of the charity committee.

Speaking during the cabinet meeting Cllr Forward said: “I have chosen a cabinet I believe will best serve the people of our town and I have also thanked those who are no longer in cabinet.”

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