Banner
any day today rss X

News and Comment May 2023

Index: 2009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024

25 May (Part 1) - Not Dim and not Dour. Definitely not

Mayor MakingI watched yesterday’s Council meeting on my TV at home. It’s a lot safer and more convenient than risking one of Bexley’s motoring traps. It was not a proper Council Meeting, more a Coronation of Councillor Ahmet Dourmoush as Mayor. To be honest I had entirely forgotten that we were due a new Mayor but it was a pleasant surprise to see Andy elected unopposed. One of the few Conservatives who may deserve our unqualified respect. Well almost unqualified.

His assertion that 30% on parking charges is only a few pence still grates somewhat but maybe I am too much of a skinflint. Only 20 minutes ago I called the manager in Sainsbury’s over 50p when the check out assistant refused to honour a shelf price. (I won!)

Just as pleasant but not a surprise because it was in the Agenda published a week ago was Richard Diment’s appointment as Places boss to replace the disreputable Craske. Places is a bit of a Poisoned Chalice but Richard is thoughtful with not even the slightest hint that he might turn out to be yet another liar.

Caroline Newton takes Richard Diment’s place as Headmistress. (Cabinet Member for Education.) Another good choice hopefully.

Deputy Leader David Leaf made an informative, amusing and occasionally self-deprecating speech about Mayors old and new and for once nobody complained about its length. It was really rather good. Labour Leader Stefano Borella similarly praised both albeit with some jokes that went over my head. (I know sweet F.A. about football!)

Bexley’s Cabinet appears to have taken a small step towards honesty and competence but we still have three out of eight who have taken active steps towards putting local bloggers behind bars. There is a way to go yet.

Note: This was the last Council meeting to be supervised by their right hand man Dave Easton who long term readers may remember was always polite and helpful to me at meetings when Councillors generally were not. I wish him a long and happy retirement.

 

Return to the top of this page
Bonkers is a cookie free zone. Not a single one