By Expelled Steve French FOLLOWING our report in the last issue that Councillors have been prosecuted for voting against cuts when in poll tax arrears, Lambeth Council went off to their favourite QC James Goudie for legal advice.
Red Jim opined that councillors who refuse to pay their poll tax should now be banned from voting on financial matters (ie nearly everything).
This flies in the face of the legislation which insists that councillors must declare an interest, and face prosecution if they vote. The new advice proved to be a great way to collect the poll tax - 13 councillors paid up on the spot.
Labour ignored Outlook supporter Steve French's protests and banned his vote.
But when Labour lost an amendment to the Liberals, they turned tail and passionately (and successfully) argued with the Chief Executive that his vote should be counted because an amendment didn't count.
This all goes to show that weak social-democrats are incapable of defending even bourgeois democracy.
Donations to pay the costs of the convicted Councillors should be sent to Defend Local Democracy, c/o Councillor Greg Tucker, Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton, London SW2.